Overview
The Trades Discovery programs are designed to allow participants extensive access to the available trades and technical training at BCIT campuses. These highly practical and relevant training programs prepare participants to successfully enter and complete trades/technical training or seek apprenticeship.
Program information
Students gain hands-on experience in approximately 15 different trades disciplines. Some examples of activities are: lay out and fabrication, general piping, carpentry framing, welding, wiring and working on mechanical systems in automobiles, aircraft, and heavy equipment.
The programs include two weeks of unpaid work experience, partnering education with industry and the community. Students will be trained and certified in the following:
- Lift Truck Operator (forklift training)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Occupational First Aid Level One
- Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)
Trades explored
Students will explore a variety of programs from the following sectors:
- Construction
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program:
Visit the Trades Access website for samples of the Trades Entry Assessment.
Recommended for success
- A driver’s license is not required to enter the program. However, it is strongly recommended in order to earn the Lift Truck Operator Certificate and for moving vehicles in and out of the shops.
- Potential students with medical or physical disabilities should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview with the institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604-451-6963 (telephone interview is acceptable for out of town applicants).
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
January, May and September
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
| CSA Approved Work Boots | $180 |
| CSA Approved Non-Tinted Safety Glasses | $20 |
| 100% Cotton Coveralls | $55 |
| Paper, pens, binder, highlighter, duplicating | $35 |
| Required textbooks and certification fees | $148 |
| Total | $438 |
(general estimated costs, subject to change)
Students are required to supply their own coveralls. A supply of coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Courses
Class hours
0730–1400, Monday through Friday
Note: Some sessions may require classes to be scheduled outside of the established hours (sessions may be scheduled as early as 0700 or Afternoon Shifts 1300–1900).
Program matrix
| Required Courses | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| MEOP 1001 | Forklift Operator 1 - Inexperienced | 1.0 | |
| TEXP 1000 | WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level One | 0.5 | |
| TEXP 1110 | Interpret and Sketch Blue Prints | 1.5 | |
| TEXP 1120 | Career Preparation | 2.0 | |
| TEXP 1130 | Work Experience - Industry Tours | 2.5 | |
| TEXP 1140 | Use Oxygen and Acetylene Equipment | 2.0 | |
| TEXP 1150 | Trades Specific Skills | 9.0 | |
| TEXP 1160 | Applied Mathematics | 1.5 | |
| TEXP 1180 | Apply Safe Work Practices | 1.5 | |
| Total Credits: | 21.5 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
16 weeks, full-time
Grading
Student learning is evaluated throughout the program. Passing grade for each course is 70% or S; depending on the grade mode of the individual course.
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Note: Some sessions will take place at BCIT Satellite Campuses located in the Lower Mainland.
Contact Us
Information:
Email: trades_discovery@bcit.ca
Telephone: 604-456-8182
Questions or comments?
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.