What is Trades Discovery General?
The Trades Discovery General program is a partnership between NVSD, BCIT, and SkilledTradesBC that allows students to explore different trades disciplines . Students gain hands-on experience in approximately 15 different trades in the Construction, Mechanical, Transportation, and Manufacturing sectors. The program includes two weeks of unpaid work experience, partnering education with industry and the community and prepares students to successfully enter trades training or seek an apprenticeship. Upon successful completion, students will earn a Trades Discovery Associate Certificate
What do I need to start? 
- Entering Grade 11 or Grade 12
- Good employability skills and a willingness to learn
- Parent/guardian permission
- Ability to travel throughout the Lower Mainland
- Passing the following three BCIT Trades Entry Assessments: English, Math, Mechanical Reasoning (completed at student's home school)
What are the benefits?
- Post-secondary trades training without the tuition fee
- Up to 12 credits towards graduation
- Credential earned upon completion: Associate Certificate
- Students are trained and certified in Lift Truck Operator (forklift training); Scissor Lift Operator; and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)
Upon successful completion, students will earn 21.5 post-secondary credits and if seats are available AND they meet the entrance requirements for chosen trades, the head sends requests to Admissions to accept. If no seat is available, they are waitlisted by the date when they met the entrance requirements.
When and where is the program offered?
- 16 weeks, full-time, combination in-person and online
- Classes typically run from 7:30AM-2:00PM, Monday-Friday
- Program start dates in January, May, and September
- The main program takes place at BCIT (Burnaby Campus), though some experiences take place at BCIT Satellite Campuses located in the Lower Mainland
How do I register?
- Please see the school Work Experience Teacher for application package
- Participate in a program interview
Please do not apply directly to BCIT for this program. To be eligible for TUITION FREE programming, you must apply through the North Vancouver School District!
