Apprenticeships and other industry training programs
prepare you for a rewarding career in a wide range of
occupations including the manufacturing, construction,
service, and repair industries.
Industry training programs combine paid, on-the-job
learning with instruction at a college or other training
centre. When you complete a program, you’ll get a credential
(similar to a diploma) that will open up career opportunities
in British Columbia, and across Canada. There are more
than 100 programs of this type to choose from in BC.
How can I get my industry training paid for? You may register in one or both of the following programs:
1. ACE IT Programs
ACE IT programs let you earn credits towards both high school graduation and completion of an Industry Training Program. They involve course work and a work experience component. The post-secondary credit you earn through an ACE IT program will be the first level of apprenticeship technical training. Through work experience placements, you can also earn credit towards on-the-job training requirements.
Read More About ACE IT Programs
ACE IT Funded Programs
Most of our ACE IT programs are often partnered with the College of the Rockies, however you can attend many other post-secondary institutes in B.C. and Alberta. Programs are provided for the following trades:
- Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic
- Industrial Mechanic—Millwright
- Landscape & Production Horticulturist
- Motor Vehicle Body Repairer
- Plumber
- Residential Construction Framing Tech
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Welder
Some advantages of ACE IT :
(if you are approved by your school)
1. Your tuition fees for Level 1 course are paid for (you will have some equipment, resources & other expenses.
2. Each participating student who secures a relevant job within three months of completing all of his/her studies and who retains that job for a minimum of six months is eligible for a one time payment of $500.
3. Students participating in ACE IT and registered as an SSA student are eligible for a $1000 scholarship through the Secondary School Apprenticeship program.
2. Secondary School Apprenticeship
Secondary School Apprenticeships (SSA) are designed for high school students who have or are ready to look for a job (full or part-time) in a trade or industry occupation, and want to get started with an Industry Training Program. Read More About SSA
Secondary School Aprenticeship Program
The SSA program lets you earn up to 16 graduation credits for the work you do. At the same time, your work hours will count towards the completion of the on-the-job training component of your Industry Training Program. You can also qualify for a $1000 SSA scholarship.
SSA programs are available to students throughout BC. To take part, you’ll need to find an employer (we may be able to assist) and register with the Industry Training Authority. Talk to your school counselor about the SSA program.
How Do I Start?
1. Talk to your school counselor and fill out an ACE-IT &/or a Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) application form at your school.
2. Research where you would like to do your trades training ie. College of the Rockies, BCIT, SAIT, NAIT etc.
3. Register at the post secondary institute to make certain you have a placement.
4. Find an employer who is willing to sponsor you for work experience in your trade area of interest.
5. Met with your school counselor to set up your graduation plan.
Advantages of a career in the trades:
1. Demand for trades is steadily increasing do to the number of retirements and increase in growth in B.C. and Canada.
2. Ability of summer employment once students have their level 1 trades training.
3. Portability in Canada and around the world.
4. Reduced cost of trades training vs. that of university training.
