What You Will Learn:
The Trades Sampler program is a hands-on, full-semester program for students to explore Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and Sheet Metal. It provides practical skills, industry insights, and high school credits. Students learn safe work practices in a variety of trades, organizational skills, how to apply apprenticeship math, and about different trades-based careers.
- To use safe work practices and organizational skills;
- To use apprenticeship math and about different careers;
- About a construction craft worker;
- General skills in carpentry, plumbing and piping, electrical, sheet metal, welding and drafting;
- About proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), about First Aid;
- How to conduct labour market research.
What You Will Earn:
- Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)
- The ability to seek employment in entry-level trades position, or the ability to apply for a foundation program.
- High School: 4 grade 12 courses (16 credits)
What You Can Expect:
Students will attend Okanagan College (Salmon Arm campus), Monday - Friday (about 30 hours/week) where they will experience a mix of theory and hands-on training in a variety of trades.
What You Need to Know:
Program details:
https://www.okanagancollege.ca/trades-and-apprenticeship/trades-sampler-programs
Pre-requisites:
- Be interested in skilled trades and considering a career.
- Good attendance record and work ethic.
- Physically capable of performing tasks.
- CSA certified steel-toe boots.
Dates & Deadlines:
- Apply in the Spring (March/April) for Fall intake.
- Program takes 4-5 months to complete.
Does this Sound Like You?
- You have strong technical skills, and you like working with tools, materials, and equipment.
- You work hard, showing a strong work ethic and taking pride in doing the job well.
- You communicate clearly, whether you’re asking questions, giving updates, or working with others.
- You are reliable, showing up on time and following through on tasks.
- You are trustworthy, someone others can count on to do quality work safely and honestly.
- You can adapt easily, adjusting when plans change or new challenges come up.
- You solve problems effectively, thinking through issues and finding practical solutions.
- You pay attention to details, making sure your work is accurate and safe.
- You put safety first, protecting yourself and others on the job site.
- You are willing to keep learning, building new skills as tools, technology, and trades continue to change.
Help Yourself Succeed By...
- Connecting with your Career Coordinator at school.
- Watching for deadlines - they are critical!
- Maintaining good attendance and keeping up with school work - career programs require interviews!.
- Enrolling in Work Experience at a related job site.
- Participating in Career related activities like going on a tour (virtual or in person) or attending an info session.
- Selecting shop and math based elective courses.
- Making and monitoring an appropriate personal email. (ex: do not use phat_cat69@gmail.com)
- Ensuring your personal information is up to date (i.e email, resume, SIN, etc).