Women Exploring Trades

Women in Trades Training Exploratory Program

Women in Trades at TRU will be hosting three eight-week exploratory intakes over the next calendar year, each featuring a different trades focus area. Participants will learn from qualified instructors, earn industry-relevant tickets and certifications, complete hands-on projects, and gain valuable insight into various trades careers.

Program Streams

Fall 2026: Industrial Trades (Instrumentation, Electrical, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics, Piping)
Winter 2027: Mechanical Trades (Welding, Heavy-Duty Mechanics, Automotive Mechanics, Millwrighting)
Spring 2027: Construction Trades (Electrical, Carpentry, Piping, Construction Craft Work)

(Programming is subject to change.)

Each cohort will introduce participants to three to four trades within the featured sector, followed by a two-week practicum placement and work-readiness training. The program is fully funded, including:

Tuition
Required certifications/tickets
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The goal of the program is to provide successful participants with the opportunity to continue into a trades foundation or apprenticeship program and/or obtain employment as a registered apprentice in British Columbia.

Course Details

Industrial Trades

Location: Kamloops
Dates: September 21, 2026 to November 13, 2026

Mechanical Trades

Location: Kamloops
Dates: February 22, 2027 to April 9, 2027

Construction Trades

Location: Kamloops
Dates: April 26, 2027 to June 18, 2027

Application Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the program stream that best aligns with their interests. Applications will remain open until 10 days prior to the program start date.

The admission requirements remain the same, with the following additions:

Practicum placements will be offered based on attendance, participation, safety practices, and professionalism throughout the program.
Independent practicum hosts may require a Criminal Record Check and/or pre-employment drug screening prior to accepting a student placement. Students will be advised.

Admission requirements

The program may be right for you if you are:

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 a high school or post-secondary training)
Not actively participating in another provincially or federally funded labour market program

Application process

Once you have determined eligibility, email the following to witt@tru.ca

A recent resume
One to two paragraphs describing why you would like to participate in the program.

Applicants must indicate which of the three program streams they are applying for in the subject line of their application email.

More information

Call us at 778-471-8365 or email witt@tru.ca

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