Photo: KPU.ca

Want a career that’s hands-on and in-demand? Try the trades.

Photo: KPU.ca
Photo: KPU.ca

With WorkBC’s Labour Market Outlook predicting continued growth in trades, now is a great time to consider it as a career. Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Faculty of Trades and Technology offers a range of certification and citation programs, as well as in-school technical training for registered apprentices.

Love horses? Turn that love into a career as a farrier. KPU’s nine month farrier certificate program prepares individuals to work directly with horses, helping to shoe them and trim their hooves. Courses in the program include equine anatomy and equine hoof trimming, in addition to forging horseshoes.

Learn to repair household appliances as an appliance servicing technician. Through the program learners will take courses in basic electricity, basic electronics, and complete a work experience practicum. The program, which can be completed in less than a year, also prepares individuals to write the BC provincial C gas certificate. Many appliance servicing technicians are self-employed, and those working in the Lower Mainland can earn over $34/hour according to the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada. Students who complete the program at KPU are also eligible to earn their Red Seal—the standard of excellence among the trades in Canada.

Welding was one of the top 10 Red Seal trades with the highest number of registrations in 2014 according to Stats Canada and that trend is expected to continue with WorkBC predicting over 2,900 job openings for the profession through to the year 2025. KPU’s welding foundation program gives students the skills and knowledge to work safely while welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals. After completing the foundation program, individuals with an employer sponsor can progress into an apprenticeship, while those without an employer sponsor may complete additional levels of training at KPU.

For more than 30 years, Kwantlen Polytechnic University has provided students with the skills they need for the careers they want. KPU offers a range of degree, diploma, certificate, and citation programs with opportunities for hands-on experience and experiential learning. Why stop at theory, when you can also harness the power of experience? Launch your career and make a positive impact on your community with experiential learning at KPU: where thought meets action.

To learn more about foundation training and apprenticeships, visit kpu.ca/trades