Career-ready graduates
The Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology offers applied education and training that helps you reach your career and education goals while meeting the job needs of our community. As a career-ready graduate, you’ll have the skills employers are looking for.
A message from our Dean, Glynis Steen
Over the next decade, British Columbia will face a shortage of skilled workers as many retire and new jobs are created through economic growth. I’m excited to help ensure our students gain the skills needed to fill these opportunities. In the Faculty of Trades & Applied Technology at Vancouver Island University, we offer dynamic training in trades and technical fields, supported by some of the best facilities and equipment in the province. Through strong industry partnerships, our students train with the same advanced technologies used on worksites. Our team of skilled instructors and dedicated staff is committed to your success and student experience!
Meet your instructors
Our programs are developed with industry and taught by experienced professionals who are well connected in the field. They will guide you through every level of your training and support you along the way.
Get personalized guidance
Certificate, foundation and diplomas
VIU’s Advising team are here to help you with general inquiries across all program areas, ensuring that everyone feels supported.
Apprenticeships
Learn how apprenticeship works, get answers to common questions, and find step-by-step help on how to register for your next level of training.
Skills Canada Competitions
VIU trades and applied technology students compete in Skills Canada regional, provincial, and national competitions. Will you win the next medal for VIU?
Human-size foosball tournament
A fun welcome event for students
Each year, the Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology welcomes new students with a human-size foosball tournament. Every program competes, and the winning team takes home the trophy and bragging rights for the year.
Help paying for school
Financial help for apprentices
There is WorkBC, Employment Insurance, Canada Apprentice Loans and tax credits to help
Financial Aid & Awards
The Financial Aid & Awards office can direct you to grants, student loans and more
Student services
Student ID cards
Student record
About your Student Record and how to access it
VIU Learn
Access course resources online
Textbooks
Food Services
Chef-inspired meals across campus
Dining Dollars meal plans
Chef-inspired meals across campus
Food resources
Student Tech Help
The IT Service Desk is ready to help you
Counselling services
Parking passes
Monthly and long term parking passes
Campus Map
Have questions? We're here to help
Your instructor can email you a new one. You can print it using PaperCut.
Apprentices: Contact an Apprenticeship Admissions and Registration Assistant by emailing apprentice@viu.ca
Foundation, certificate and diploma students: Login to your Student Record and select Academics. Scroll down to Confirmation of Enrolment where you can download and print a PDF.
See welder testing.
- Two cafeterias
in buildings 300 and 185 - VIU Students’ Union Pub
in building 193 - Subway in building 165
You can find your course schedule by logging into your Student Record.
Select “Academics”, then “Course Enrollment History”, then “Course Schedule”.
We keep smaller lost items in the Trades and Applied Technology offices in building 180, room 110. Valuable items like wallets, ID, keys or phones are given to Campus Security.
Contact Campus Security:
- Non-Emergency (24/7): 250.740.6512
- After-Hours (weekends/evenings): 250.753.3812
- Email: Security@viu.ca
Contact your instructor or Campus Security:
- Non-Emergency (24/7): 250.740.6512
- After-Hours (weekends/evenings): 250.753.3812
- Email: Security@viu.ca
Find out about important dates like student loan deadlines and university closures for vocational and trades programs.
A trades foundation program is entry-level training for people with little or no experience. You don’t need an employer sponsor. After completing the program, you're ready to start your first job as an apprentice.
VIU’s dual credit program allows high school students to start training in our programs while earning credits for both high school and VIU. Credits earned in a VIU trades or applied technology foundation program count toward Grade 12 graduation and your VIU transcript.
The Red Seal Endorsement is the Canadian standard of excellence for skilled trades. It sets common standards for all tradespersons and is recognized anywhere in Canada. At VIU, we support you through apprenticeship journey to reach Red Seal endorsement. Learn more about apprenticeships.
Applied technology programs focus on hands-on learning to build practical, career-ready skills. Developed with industry input and taught by experienced professionals, these programs emphasize real-world application.
The Vocational Grading System applies to both Foundation and Apprenticeship programs.
Find out if VIU is right for you
Learning at VIU
Hands-on learning and unique opportunities to get you ready for the workforce.
