The most direct way to train for a career in the trades is to find work with an employer who will commit to an Apprenticeship. Through the Secondary School Apprenticeship and ACE IT programs, you can even begin your training while you're still in high school, and earn dual high school and post-secondary credit while you do so. Or if you’ve already finished high school, you could also consider a Foundation program, at a college or other training institute, to get you going.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a type of post-secondary education that teaches you the skills needed for a particular trade. Typically, you would spend about 80-85% of your time training on the job and 15-20% in school doing technical training.
Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA)
SSA is a career program that lets you begin an apprenticeship while still in high school (and earn high school graduation credits for doing so!).
Work part-time work within a trade while going to school - something many students are doing anyway. Think about it: you can be earning money and learning valuable skills doing a job you love, getting high school and post-secondary credits for it, and pursuing other academic courses at the same time. Imagine how far ahead you'll be when you graduate. You could be up to 2 years ahead of your peers in a career in the trades if you participate.
You can also apply to be an apprentice after you graduate. You'll be paid while you learn and work towards your ticket (certification).
Check out profiles tagged: Apprenticeship
Every SSA is unique (like you). You can now apply online for a $1,000 SSA scholarship. Work with your guidance counselor to complete the application.
SSA scholarship application
An apprenticeship is a type of post-secondary education that teaches you the skills needed for a particular trade. Typically, you would spend about 80-85% of your time training on the job and 15-20% in school doing technical training.
Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA)
SSA is a career program that lets you begin an apprenticeship while still in high school (and earn high school graduation credits for doing so!).
Work part-time work within a trade while going to school - something many students are doing anyway. Think about it: you can be earning money and learning valuable skills doing a job you love, getting high school and post-secondary credits for it, and pursuing other academic courses at the same time. Imagine how far ahead you'll be when you graduate. You could be up to 2 years ahead of your peers in a career in the trades if you participate.
You can also apply to be an apprentice after you graduate. You'll be paid while you learn and work towards your ticket (certification).
Check out profiles tagged: Apprenticeship
Every SSA is unique (like you). You can now apply online for a $1,000 SSA scholarship. Work with your guidance counselor to complete the application.
SSA scholarship application
ACE IT 
Think of ACE IT as an apprenticeship head start for high school students. Through an ACE IT program, you can take courses that will give you both high school graduation credits and credit towards completion of an apprenticeship program. Basically, ACE IT is the technical or in-school training equivalent to what an apprentice would do in Level 1 (first year).
ACE IT programs are developed and offered as partnerships between school districts and post-secondary institutions, and classes are often taught at colleges. Local employers also get involved in the development of ACE IT programs, so a work-experience component may be included. Students who complete these programs typically have very good success in finding employment.
Check out profiles tagged: ACE IT
Contact your career coordinator or counsellor to find out how to get into an ACE IT program.
Think of ACE IT as an apprenticeship head start for high school students. Through an ACE IT program, you can take courses that will give you both high school graduation credits and credit towards completion of an apprenticeship program. Basically, ACE IT is the technical or in-school training equivalent to what an apprentice would do in Level 1 (first year).
ACE IT programs are developed and offered as partnerships between school districts and post-secondary institutions, and classes are often taught at colleges. Local employers also get involved in the development of ACE IT programs, so a work-experience component may be included. Students who complete these programs typically have very good success in finding employment.
Check out profiles tagged: ACE IT
Contact your career coordinator or counsellor to find out how to get into an ACE IT program.
Foundation
Foundation programs are post-secondary pre-apprenticeship programs that provide trainees with the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into a particular occupation. They are typically conducted in a classroom or shop setting, and do not involve any significant work-based training component.
It is not necessary to have an employer to enroll in a foundation program, and therefore they can be a good option for those who have finished high school and want more exposure to a trade before committing to a full apprenticeship. Your Foundation program will have a direct tie to an apprenticeship program, and may give you credit towards an apprenticeship it you choose to go on in the trade.
Check out profiles tagged: Foundation
Once you've found a trade you're interested in, check out which schools are offering the program as a Foundation option.
Foundation programs are post-secondary pre-apprenticeship programs that provide trainees with the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into a particular occupation. They are typically conducted in a classroom or shop setting, and do not involve any significant work-based training component.
It is not necessary to have an employer to enroll in a foundation program, and therefore they can be a good option for those who have finished high school and want more exposure to a trade before committing to a full apprenticeship. Your Foundation program will have a direct tie to an apprenticeship program, and may give you credit towards an apprenticeship it you choose to go on in the trade.
Check out profiles tagged: Foundation
Once you've found a trade you're interested in, check out which schools are offering the program as a Foundation option.
Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician
Myles Veljacic
Was an ACE IT student in the Automotive Refinishing program.
Finished his second level painter apprenticeship at Vancouver Community College.
Expects to become a certified tradesperson by 2008.
"I had no idea what I was going to do as a career when I was in high school until ACE IT gave me the chance to try something new."
Learn more about this trade