Whether you start in one month or several, there are some important things for you to consider before you get started.
Create your plans to improve your success!
As a trade student at BCIT, you can expect to spend some of your time in class and some of your time in the shop. For most Apprentice and Foundation students, class sizes are 16 students. Your fellow classmates may live in the Lower Mainland or may come from communities all across BC including from other provinces. Deciding to study at BCIT can be exciting and intimidating, particularly if you’ve been out of school for a while.
Your instructor will explain the program and the procedures for your program in the first few days of class.
It’s important to make good plans for your studies that allow you to learn the material and have some balance and fun at the same time.
Some programs are very intense and others less so. Knowing when to ask for help and how to ask for support from your instructor, your peers, or from other resources at BCIT, is crucial.
Use this website to identify the resources you may need and make your plans for your studies at BCIT.
Visit BCIT Student Housing to explore housing options.
BCIT offers short-stay and apprentice housing on the Burnaby campus as well as assistance with off-campus accommodation in the community.
Apprentices may qualify for Employment Insurance benefits while studying at BCIT. Apply online or go to the EI-HRDC website for more information.
As of January 2015, the government of Canada initiated the Canada Apprentice Loan. Apprentices can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. For more information or to apply, visit Government of Canada-Canada Apprentice Loan.
Good planning is the key to success. Use a budget planner to help you estimate the money you will need for school and to make plans for saving.
BCIT is committed to providing assistance to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities.
Examples of assistance may include:
- Exam and program accommodations
- Note-taking, scribes, readers
- Alternate format textbooks
- Interpreting and captioning
- Adaptive technology
- Funding and grant information
- Learning strategies support
- Peer tutoring
BCIT’s Accessibility Services is focused on empowering you to overcome the limits and barriers that you may encounter, visible and invisible, permanent or temporary.
For some students, math, physics, and other technical subjects come easily. For others, not so easy.
Whether you’ve been out of school for a few weeks or a few years, being prepared will give you the confidence you need to succeed!
Test your skills with these sample tests in:
Math, Physics, Mechanical Reasoning, Spatial Relations, and more!
If you want more practice, you may want to take a refresher course:
ACES 0011 – Basic Trades Math
ACES 0012 – Intermediate Trades Math
ACES 0014 – Technical Trades Math
ACES 0013 – Craft Trades Math
Or sign up for Technical Literacy: Tools of the Trades (ACES 0020) – an online course that teaches the study skills and background knowledge needed to succeed in trades and apprenticeship training.
Want more resources for reading, study skills, time management, or note-taking? Check out Counselling & Student Development!