What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a training process that combines in-school technical training and a set number of work-based training hours. The training ends with the Interprovincial exam and earning your Red Seal endorsement.
- if you’re new to your trade choose a foundation program to start your training
- if you have some experience in your trade choose apprenticeship to continue your training
- learn more about the difference between a foundation program and an apprenticeship
What apprenticeship programs does VIU offer?
Each trade has a different number of technical training levels and required work-based training hours.
How to become an apprentice
To enrol in one of our apprenticeship programs:
- familiarize yourself with how apprenticeships and SkilledTradesBC work
- be registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC
- ensure your apprentice record is up to date
- be tracking your work-based training hours with an employer sponsor
Registration process
Apprenticeship training classes at Vancouver Island University fill on a first-come, first-registered basis. There are waiting lists for many trades and apprenticeship levels.
- apply to VIU
- watch for emails from VIU for next steps, we will need more information from you
- email apprentice@viu.ca for information on training availability and for help with waitlisted programs
You can find program schedules for apprenticeship training around BC at Trades Training BC.
Acceptance to VIU
When you have been accepted to VIU:
- we will send you an email confirming your official registration. It will include tuition due dates and give you access to your student record
- pay tuition in full
- research housing and financial supports
Be prepared to start class
- login to your student record to download your class timetable
- check which books you need and buy them
- plan how you will get to school
- find your way around with the campus map
Questions?
We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm:
- email apprentice@viu.ca
- call us at 250-740-6227.
- visit the Trades and Applied Technology office in Building 180, Room 110
If you are completing a paper application, please mail it to:
Attn: Apprenticeship, Building 180
Vancouver Island University
900 Fifth St,
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5
If you have questions, contact Apprenticeship at 250.740.6227 or Apprentice@viu.ca
Apprenticeship schedules
Program schedules are available at Trades Training BC. You must apply directly to VIU for the program you are interested in.
Why get Red Seal endorsement?
Apprenticeships lead to Red Seal endorsement, which has many benefits.
National recognition
- gives you the chance to be promoted at work and earn more money
- shows you have reached the highest accreditation for your trade in Canada
- makes it easier to work in any province or territory across Canada
- creates opportunities for working internationally
Personal achievement
- it’s a significant professional milestone and gives you a sense of pride in your success
- shows your dedication to keeping high standards in your career
- makes you more trusted as a professional
Professional credibility
- helps your resume stand out to help you get advanced jobs like a school educator
- promotes high training and assessment standards which raises the overall quality in any industry
- leads to better products, more successful businesses and happier customers
Jesse Livingston, Apprenticeship and Electrician Student
“When I heard that VIU would be offering the Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program I was one of the first students to sign up. During the 40 weeks I spent there over a period of 3 years I enjoyed my time thoroughly. The faculty and staff were very helpful, courteous and understanding. There was always tutoring available should it be required and no one individual was ever singled out. The teachers encouraged group learning and were always available to help work through some of the more difficult formulas and theory.”