Women in Trades Training

Funding is available to help women receive funding in one of two pathways:

Trade Discovery Programs
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 site tours with industry employers. You'll develop a resume, practice interview, and job search skills, and enhance team-building experience.

Program Details

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

  • Automotive Mechanics
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Welding

Students will also receive certificate training that may include:

  • Confined Space
  • Fall Protection
  • Occupational First Aid Level 1
  • WHMIS

Offerings

Please contact the Program Coordinator to get added to the Interest List for upcoming cohorts.

  • Nanaimo Summer 2022 (June 7 – Aug 26)
  • Cowichan Fall 2022 (Dates TBA)

Costs

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

How to Apply

We accept applications on an ongoing basis, up to one month before the start of a program.

For the Nanaimo Summer 2022 TDP cohort, the deadline to apply is May 7.

  1. Check your eligibility: funding requirements.

  2. If you are eligible, email the Program Coordinator stating your:

    • Name
    • Phone Number
    • Email
    • Which program you're interested in.

  3. Once your eligibility is confirmed, the Program Coordinator will send you the application form to apply

  4. For questions or help with the application process, contact:

Program Coordinator: Amanda Aust

Phone: 250-748-4529 Ext: 3532

Email: Amanda.Aust@viu.ca

Trades Foundation Program

VIU Women in Trades Training offers sponsorship for eligible women in their pursuit of becoming a tradesperson by supporting Foundation training at the university.

Program Details

Course outlines are trade-specific. Please see VIU Trades and Applied Technology for more details.

Costs

WITT Foundation sponsorship may include tuition, textbooks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) where applicable.

Admission Requirements

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

How to apply

We accept applications on an ongoing basis.

  1. Apply to a Trades Foundation program at VIU.

  2. Check your eligibility: funding requirements.

  3. If you are eligible, email the Program Coordinator stating your:

    • Name
    • Phone Number
    • Email
    • Which program you're interested in.

  4. Once your eligibility is confirmed, the Program Coordinator will send you the application form to apply. 

  5. For questions or help with the application process, contact:

Program Coordinator: Amanda Aust

Phone: 250.748.4529 Ext: 3532

Email: Amanda.Aust@viu.ca

 

VIU Women in Trades Training Program student

Margaret O'Neill

"My final exam was on a Thursday and my first day at my new job was the next day!! I was hired by Subzero Heating and Cooling and I'm thrilled to start working in the trade. Thank you all for your dedication to my learning and helping me achieve these goals. I would not have been able to get this far without your help. The opportunity to be in this program has changed my life. I'll make you proud out there in the field and encourage other women to take the leap too."

 

Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic program graduate