Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
12 week
Kick start your career in the trade that is right for you
The Women in Trades Training (WITT) initiative is part of a long-term strategy to match women's skills to the needs of B.C.'s workplace.
![student outside CTEI building](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_768/public/2021-03/trades%20student%20at%20CTEI.png?itok=z1KwcLk0)
Today, the door is open to women in every B.C. trades career
Camosun's WITT career exploration programs expose you to different trades and career options, with a focus on safety, skills upgrading, and enhancing your job readiness.
Experience hands-on learning opportunities, safety training, career mentorship and site tours with industry employers.
You'll also develop yourresume, practice interview and job search skills, and enhance your team-building expertise.
Eligibility and sponsorship
WITT is open to women with various backgrounds and skill levels who are looking for a career within the trades. Camosun, through our Women in Trades Training office, offerstwo different sponsorship avenues:
- Trades Skills Foundation (TSF)for Women programs, and/or
- Foundation sponsorshipinto one of Camosun's skilled Trades Foundation/pre-apprenticeship programs
“Through the Women in Trades Program I was able to go into the Carpentry Foundations Program and I am now qualified to work in the carpentry industry as a first year apprentice. I learned how to use all of the tools in the carpentry shop and I am now comfortable using them when I show up on a job site. I was also able to get my Fall Protection certification, and my First Aid to help further my chances of being hired. At the end of the Women in Trades Program, they provided me with a four day opportunity to experience work in the carpentry industry.”
- Kim, Year 1 Carpentry Apprentice with Local 276
Trade sampling program
Discover two different avenues to a career in the skilled trades;Trade Skills FoundationǰDirect Entry Foundation Training.
Trade Skills Foundation (exploratory program)
Over 12 weeks you'll explore a variety of trades, career paths and safety practices/training. The program teaches foundation skills required to successfully learn on the job and provides a path to other Trade foundation or apprenticeship programs. Trades covered may include:
- Automotive
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Fine Furniture
- Plumbing
- Professional Cook
- Sheet Metal
Length 12-ɱ
Location ϳԹ,Interurban Campus
Credential Certificate in Trades Skills Foundation (CORE), Construction
Direct Entry Foundation Training
Camosun Women in Trades Training offers sponsorship for eligible and selected women in their pursuit of becoming a tradesperson by supporting Foundation training at the college.
To apply for WITT sponsorship for Foundation programming at ϳԹ, applicants must have the prerequisites for that particular program. Check theAdmission Requirementstab for any of Camosun'sTrades Foundation programs(pre-apprentice programs) and their respective prerequisites.
Women in Trades Training Foundation sponsorshipsmayinclude full tuition, textbooks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) where applicable.
Funding requirements
WITT might be right for you if you are:
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person (under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c. 27) legally entitled to work in Canada;
- Living in British Columbia
- Not a full-time student (not enrolled in high school or post-secondary training)
- Not actively participating in another provincially or federally funded labour market program, and
- whose employment status is:
- Unemployed, or working less than 20 hours per week, or
- Precariously employed. Precarious employment is defined as:
- is working in unstable or unsustainable employment (including self-employment) as evidenced by:
- irregular hours of work (such as casual labour or on-call work);
- unreliable remuneration (such as piece-work or commission); and/or
- earnings that cannot support an individual or their family;
- is working, but has a total employment (including self-employment) income that is below the market basket measures;
- is working in an industry or occupation that is likely to be replaced by technology or automation in the near future;
- is working in an occupation or profession that is clearly lower than their skills or qualifications and that provides no imminent prospect of advancement; or
- has Just Cause for leaving their current employment.
- is working in unstable or unsustainable employment (including self-employment) as evidenced by:
Trade sampling programs
How to apply
Step 1
Determine your eligibility, found in the funding requirementsbelow.
Step 2
Send a one-page letter of intent to include:
- Your eligibility as per thefunding requirements
- Description of why you are interested in the program, and what your future career goals are
- Description of your past work, and educational experiences
- Include phone and email contact information
- Indicate which program and start date you are interested in
Step 3
Send your completed letter and a copy of your resume to:TDSP@camosun.ca
Once your eligibility is confirmed, the Coordinator will be in touch via email to arrange an appointment.
Foundation training
How to apply
Step 1
Apply to aTrades Foundation programat ϳԹ.
*Open to students enrolled in Foundation programs, (or Level 1 Apprentices) in any of the following trades:
- Automotive Service Technician Foundation
- Carpentry Foundation
- Electrical Foundation
- Fine Furniture/Joinery Trades Foundation
- Heavy Duty Mechanical Foundation
- Plumbing & Piping Trades Foundation
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation
- Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation
- Trades Skills Foundation
- Welder Foundation
Camosun offers apprenticeship training for 20 distinct trades, including 12 trades with the Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement.
Step 2
Once you are qualified for the Foundation and have received notification from Camosun registration, send a one-page letter to the women in trades department which includes:
- Your eligibility as per thefunding requirements
- Description of why you are interested in the applicable foundation program, and what your future career goals are
- Description of your past work and educational experiences
- Include phone and email contact information
Step 3
Send your completed letter and a copy of your resume to:TDSP@camosun.ca
Once your eligibility is confirmed, the Coordinator will be in touch via email to arrange an appointment to discuss sponsorship options.
Contact us
If you have admissions questionscontact the ϳԹ office.
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Trades classes contacttradesinfo@camosun.ca.
Faculty/staff profile
![Kyle Broad](/sites/default/files/2021-02/broad-kyle.jpg)
Kyle Broad
Chair, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades
broadk@camosun.ca
250–370–3786
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Faculty/staff profile
![Darren Vaux](/sites/default/files/2024-02/Darren%20Vaux.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Carmen deGoey Chair, Electrical Department](/sites/default/files/2021-02/Carmen%20deGoey.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Albert van Akker - Program Chair](/sites/default/files/2021-02/vanakker_0.jpg)
Albert van Akker
Chair, Architectural Trades and Carpentry Program Leader
vanakker@camosun.ca
250–370–3802
JD 134A
WITT Bursaries
Are you a female student pursuing a Red Seal Trades program experiencing financial need?
Contact information
Women in Trades Training
Heather Solomonson, Coordinator
ϳԹ questions: