Innovation in trades and applied technology
There’s never been a better time to go to school for trades or applied technology. Training at VIU opens the door to well-paid careers with options. With practical hands-on learning in every program and instructors who are leaders in their fields, you get the best possible education. You can start with a foundation program to learn a new trade and gain apprenticeship hours. If you’ve already started an apprenticeship, we can help you take your training all the way to Red Seal endorsement.
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Gain real-world experience
At VIU, you get dynamic training and education. You move between classroom and workshop or job site for hands-on training where you'll put theory into practice. Your instructors share a wealth of knowledge in many industries, so you finish your program ready to pursue a trades career anywhere in BC and beyond.
Hands-on learning is at the core of your education
Industry experience
Many programs include an industry work experience placements on Vancouver Island. These placements can lead to full-time jobs.
Apprenticeships
Level up your trades career with technical apprenticeship training. At VIU you train in professional workshops with leading-edge equipment.
In the classroom
All VIU Trades and Technology classes give you training that prepares you to work in your trade.
What is a foundation program?
And why should I take one?
Foundation programs set you up with the knowledge and skills to succeed. We work closely with local industry to ensure you are trained in the skills employers want. We have a solid reputation in the community, and our grads earn higher starting wages than workers without training. You graduate ready to start an apprenticeship, and you earn apprenticeship hours, so you’ll move more quickly to the next level in your apprenticeship.
Foundation programs
Trades diplomas
What is applied technology?
Applied technology programs at VIU teach you to solve real-world problems in the workplace of tomorrow.
We ensure you gain the skills employers are looking for, so you graduate ready to step into a job in your field. Rather than studying a lot of theory, you do a lot of hands-on problem-solving. You learn to solve complex problems in the workplace using the appropriate technology. And you learn the communication and teamwork skills that set you up to stand out in the the workplace.
Applied Technology programs
Apprenticeship
What is an apprenticeship and why should I do it?
When you do an apprenticeship, you register with Skilled Trades BC, and the hours you work are tracked. Once you’ve worked a set number of hours, you can take technical training at VIU for your next apprenticeship level. The hours needed for each level varies for each trade. When you move up a level, your pay increases, and you qualify for more jobs.
Questions about apprenticeships?
If you have questions about VIU apprenticeship options, we're here to help.
Email apprentice@viu.ca
Call 250.740.6227
Connecting you to opportunity
Our connections to local industry can help you find a rewarding career.
“Being a tradesperson has changed my life. I chose VIU because its trades programs are the best in British Columbia. And the teachers who come from industry have industry contacts. I had multiple job offers before finishing school!”
– Matt Baillie, Welding
What is Red Seal endorsement?
And is it worth it?
Red Seal is a national program that sets standards of excellence for trades. You earn Red Seal endorsement by completing the required training and on-the-job experience, and by passing the Red Seal exam. Red Seal endorsement proves you have the highest level of training in your trade. With Red Seal you can:
- work anywhere in Canada without additional training
- qualify for high-paying jobs in your trade
- work on jobsites that require Red Seal
- Aboriginal Construction
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Automotive Service Technician
- Carpentry
- Culinary Arts
- Electrician
- Hairstylist Foundation
- Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation
- Horticulture Technician Foundation
- Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic
- RV Technician
- Welding
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Help paying for school
Financial Aid & Awards
The Financial Aid & Awards office can direct you to grants, student loans and more.
Trades FAQs
Trades FAQs
You can earn apprenticeship hours in VIU foundation programs and you can complete Level 1 apprenticeships in trades school. But you will need to find an employer to continue to apprentice with after you graduate. See Becoming an apprentice for more details.
We also offer technical training for the upper levels of your apprenticeship.
Most of the trades fundamentals programs are 10 months in length, but we recommend checking the individual program page to confirm program length. Technical training for upper levels of apprenticeships are 7 weeks of in-class instruction per year. The number of levels vary by trade.
VIU does not award Red Seal endorsements or administer the Red Seal test. But our trades programs help you prepare for Red Seal certification. For more information, see the Red Seal website.
To be eligible to enter a Trades or Applied Technology program, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status
- have graduated from BC Secondary School or equivalent or qualify for the mature student category.
See our admissions page for details.
All of the trades are in demand, though the demand is higher for some. For an up to date list, see WorkBC's top demand trades.
Natalie Chester
“I enrolled in the Welding and Fabrication program at VIU after working for a year and deciding to go into the trades. I received my Foundations level welding and fabrication endorsements through VIU. As a student new to welding I found the instructors extremely knowledgeable and hands-on. They supported my learning experience and taught me many techniques that will help me to get a job in industry.”