In a competitive market, you must have unique specialized skills and knowledge to stand out from the crowd. Harmony between these two major factors requires serious soul searching and the motivation to find out what training and education is possible for you. Also, you need to make some decisions around what you will be satisfied doing. Is a vocational career or a career in Trades vs. traditional post-secondary right for you?
The following information provides an overview of some of the major routes you can follow which can begin before you even graduate! Acquaint yourself with what each has to offer and if you need more information on these programs visit:
WGSS Career Advisor
Ms. Pawar ppawar@sd35.bc.ca
SD35 WAVE Contact
Geoff McSherry gmcsherry@sd35.bc.ca
Course Planning Presentation
The District offers 4 Different Dual-Credit Programs:
To apply for any of the above programs book an appointment with the WGSS Career Advisor, Ms. Pawar, and she can help you get started with an application or discuss in further detail what options might be best suited for you. You can also contact Ms. Docherty, Counsellor, to discuss your options.
SKILLED TRADES BC - YOUTH IN TRADES
What
- SkilledTradesBC – Youth in Trades program allows students to start an apprenticeship while they are still in high school. Earn graduation credits while logging work-based training hours
Why
- Earn up to 16 elective credits towards graduation (equals 4 courses)
- Acquire skills employers want and get a head start on your career
- Use 480 paid work hours towards your apprenticeship
- Have a seamless transition from school to work
- Become potentially eligible for a $1000 Youth WORK in Trades Award
Who
- Be 15-19 years old
- Be working or have worked in an SkilledTradesBC regulated trade
When
- Register at anytime during the school year
Where
- Work at your employer’s place(s) of business and on school assignments at home
How
- See your school’s Career Advisor
- Visit sd35.bc.ca/youthwork
$1000 Youth WORK Award criteria – in order to receive you must:
Be registered with SkilledTradesBC as a Youth Apprentice.
Graduated with a Grade 12 Dogwood Diploma or Adult Dogwood.
Successfully completed WRK 11A, WRK 11B, WRK 12A, and WRK 12B.
Maintained a C+ average or better on Grade 12 numbered courses.
Reported a total of at least 900 hours to SkilledTradesBC by December 31 of the school year the student turns 19.
SKILLED TRADES BC - YOUTH TRAIN IN TRADES
What
- Programs for students to complete SkilledTradesBC technical trades training
- Students can train to become a(n): Automotive Service Technician, Carpenter, Electrician, Hairstylist, Landscape Horticulturalist, Plumber or Professional Cook
Why
- Learn skills and gain experience
- Earn high school and post-secondary credits at the same time
- Pay no tuition (for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates)
Who
- Grade 11-12 students
- Intention to graduate
- Genuine interest in the trade
- Commitment to learning the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to do well in the field
When
- Most programs begin February 2024
- Professional Cook begins September 2023
- Programs are full-time for one or two semesters
Where
- Location depends on the program, see program pages for more information
How
- Contact your school’s Career Advisor for more information and/or to apply
- Visit sd35.bc.ca/youthtrain
PC1 Chef Training
Electrician
Automotive
Carpentry
Landscaping
Piping
Hairdresser
WAVE: Work & Volunteer Experience
What
- Get placed with employers/organizations to job shadow and/or perform the duties of an entry level employee
- Gain experience and new skills in the workplace they wouldn’t be able to get at school
Why
- Complete course credits outside of a school in almost any industry/occupation
- Get paid or gain volunteer experience while earning school graduation credits
- Take more than eight courses in a school year, does not impact current school schedule
Who
- Be in grade 10-12
When
- Complete work after school, weekends during school breaks (winter, summer, spring)
Where
- Work at your employer’s place(s) of business and on school assignments at home
How
- Register during course selection or see your school’s WAVE teacher, Career Advisoror counsellor for more info
- Visit website for more info sd35.bc.ca/wave
Early Childhood Education
What
- Students can earn post-secondary credits towards a university program
- Students complete course requirement to become an Early Childhood Education Assistant and earn post-secondary credits towards the Early Childhood Education Certificate
Why
- Learn skills and gain experience
- Earn high school and post-secondary credits at the same time
- Pay no tuition (for eligible high school students)
Who
- Grade 12 students
- Intention to graduate
- Genuine interest in pursuing post-secondary education
- Commitment to learning the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to do well in the field
When
- ECE program starts in September 2023
Where
- Location depends on the program, see program pages for more information
How
- Contact your school’s Career Advisor for more information and/or to apply
