Get a

Head Start

It’s never too early to start your skilled trades journey.
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Two youth carpenters wearing green helmets smiling, writing on wooden board on site.

In the skilled trades, you have the freedom to choose a career path that works for you. Learn from the best, grow within a company, or branch out and start your own business.

over

3k

students enrolled in Youth trades programs

20%

of all new high school Youth programs enrollments are women

nearly

1/2

of trades foundation program students choose to continue into the apprenticeship

around

9k

youth participate in skilled trades every year

Youth in Trades Programs

SkilledTradesBC Youth Trade Programs let you get started in a trade while you’re still in high school. That means you could be working in your field, learning from experts and earning a paycheque — all before you graduate. 

Back of head young student writing in notebook.

Youth Discover

the Trades

Spark an interest in the skilled trades! This program introduces what a trade is and gets you involved in hands-on activities.

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Youth Explore

the Trades

Try out  different trades! The Youth Explore programs give you the chance to build skills and get hands-on experience.

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Youth Train

in Trades

Get a head-start in trades training! This youth program is perfect for those looking to build their skills and experience in a specific trade while attending high school.

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Two young carpenters walking about carrying planks of wood.

Youth Work

in Trades

Get on-the-job training! The Youth Work in Trades program helps you develop trade skills and get paid while attending high school.

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Hear from Youth Participants

“

Hear from Youth Participants

“I went in there not knowing how to read a tape measure. I came out of it knowing how to pull an engine”
Noah, Youth Explore the Trades Program
“I get to spend my week cutting steel and building things. It’s good times.”
Jada, Apprentice Welder
“It's an awesome feeling, where your creativity and skill sets are your only limitations to getting the job done.”
Kevin, Sheet Metal Worker
“Sometimes it’s a tough job, but there’s a sense of accomplishment and a confidence in your abilities.”
Danica, Millwright Apprentice

Youth

Educators

Students look to their educators for guidance and trusted mentorship. Find program resources, maker activity ideas, frequently asked questions, and more in this section.

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Connect with

a School

Find a school district near you that offers Youth Trades Programs and connect with your local school representatives who work with SkilledTradesBC programs.

Get Connected

Success Stories

All About Youth Trade Programs

SkilledTradesBC offers 4 youth programs: Discover, Explore, Train and Work. Watch the video below to learn more.

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High School Carpentry Students Build Tiny Homes!

After months of hard work, Surrey students celebrate the completion of building tiny homes and sheds as part of the Youth Train in Trades Carpentry program.

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Victoria - A Parent's Story

We interviewed Victoria, a parent to a Youth in Trades Program participant. She reflects on her family's journey to learn, understand, and start the apprenticeship journey and what her son's future might look like. 

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