Indigenous man in red VIU shirt measuring a piece of wood in carpentry class, smiling

Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training

The Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training (IPTT) programs give you the training you need to jump start work in the trades industry. The programs provide you with funding and support towards tuition, books, tools, PPE, industry safety certificates, and more. You will get real work experience and network with employers and other folks in the trades. At the end of this program, you will have the training you need to start working as an entry-level labourer or go on to pursue further training towards a Red Seal apprenticeship.

Funding is available to help students in one of two pathways:

  • Trades Discovery Program gives you the opportunity to sample industry trades with hands-on experience and safety training. At the end of this program, you will have the necessary skills to get employed as an entry level labourer or go on to pursue further training towards a Red Seal trade. 
  • Trades Foundation Sponsorship helps you pursue a career as a trades person by funding your first year in the Red Seal trade foundation program of your choice.

Join the interest list for Trades Training funding

Watch the Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training info session or scroll to learn about the programs.

Trade Discovery Program (TDP)
12 week non-credit program

These career exploration programs will expose you to different trades and career options, with a focus on safety, skills upgrading, and enhancing your job readiness. You'll experience hands-on learning opportunities, safety training, and career mentorship, and job-site tours with industry employers. You'll develop a resume, network with employers, gain real work experience, so you can feel ready for your next step.

Program Details

Students will receive exposure to a variety of trades that may include:

  • Automotive Mechanics
  • Carpentry
  • Culinary
  • Electrical
  • Hair Styling
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Heavy Mechanical Trades
  • Horticulture
  • Motorcycle Marine Technician
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Welding
  • Culinary Arts
  • Hairstylist
  • Horticulture

Students will also receive certificate training that may include:

  • Confined Space
  • Fall Protection
  • Food Safe
  • Occupational First Aid
  • WHMIS

Costs Covered

Tuition is fully funded for eligible applicants, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and learning materials provided.

Start Dates

Fill out this Contact Form to get added to the Interest List to receive updates about future program dates. 

Want to find out about future offerings

We have reached the end of our current funding. If you would like to be on the list to find out about future programs please share your name, email, phone, and trades of interest either at the link or email address below.

Join our interest list for the Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training program

We will post more information on future dates and programs direct to our interest list and will update the website as well. 

Email: PDTCowichan@viu.ca

Trades Foundation Training

VIU Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training IPTT) offers sponsorship for eligible Indigenous peoples in their pursuit of becoming a tradesperson through financial and other supports of Foundation level programs at VIU in a Red-Seal trade.

Program Details

IPTT can sponsor the following trades Foundation programs at VIU:

 For more information on these programs, please visit VIU Trades and Applied Technology.

To apply to a VIU Foundation program, applicants must have the prerequisites for that program. Check the Admission Requirements section for the Trades Foundation program.

Costs Covered

IPTT sponsorship includes financial support towards tuition, textbooks, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for a Foundation program at VIU. You will also receive employment supports and networking opportunities.

Admission Requirements

To apply for IPTT sponsorship for Foundation programming at VIU, applicants must have the prerequisites for the Foundation program. Check the Admission Requirements for any of VIU's Trades Foundation program (pre-apprentice programs) and their respective prerequisites.

Want to find out about future offerings

We have reached the end of our current funding. If you would like to be on the list to find out about future programs please share your name, email, phone, and trades of interest either at the link or email address below.

Join our interest list for the Indigenous Peoples Trades Training program

We will post more information on future dates and programs direct to our interest list and will update the website as well. 

Email: PDTCowichan@viu.ca

Sabrina Welding Program Graduate

Sabrina O’Neill

“Being in Trades allows me to work with my hands while using problem-solving skills with projects. This gives me the feeling of accomplishment.

Upon acceptance into Welding Foundations at Vancouver Island University, I was looking for guidance with this new adventure. Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training (IPTT) has supported me every step of the way.

I am appreciative of IPTT, they have helped me with more than I could have imagined – from financing to networking.

With my newly acquired knowledge and skills, I am inspired and motivated to work towards my welding career.”


VIU Welding Foundation Program Graduate