Youth Work in Trades is a program for students who want to start their trades apprenticeship while in High School. To start, students must have employment with a Red Seal Tradesperson who is willing to take them on as a registered apprentice. This is a work experience to apprenticeship pathway program, so while the student is working as an apprentice, they are also earning school credits that count towards the student's graduation. There are 4 Youth WORK in Trades (YWT) courses in total that students can enroll in.
To do this, students need to complete a YWT application package and discuss with their school counsellor how YWT courses will fit into their 3 year Graduation Plan. As well, students need to discuss with their employer the commitment of taking them on as a registered apprentice. Once the student has completed 480 hours of work, and all the associated course work, students will have completed the Youth Work in Trades program.
Resource: Skilled Trades BC Apprenticeship Portal
If the students continue to work with their employers and complete 900+ hours registered with Skilled Trades BC and have a C+ average in Gr12, they will apply for a $1000 scholarship from Skilled Trades BC and the Ministry of Education and Childcare. Applications open beginning of September and close mid-November.
Resource: BC Youth Work in Trades Scholarship and YWK Scholarship FAQ or Skilled Trades BC Youth Work in Trades Scholarship Update
To apply to this program, you can print out the application below or get a copy of it from your school counsellor. Once complete, you will need to return the application to your counsellor, who will then forward it on to the district Youth Trades coordinator. They will contact you to arrange a time to meet with you and your employer to complete the necessary paperwork to begin the course.
Youth Work in Trades placements are subject to availability, employer participation, and student readiness. While the district supports students in seeking placements, placements are not guaranteed. Students are responsible for meeting program expectations, including transportation to worksites. A driver’s license and access to transportation is strongly recommended. Final placement decisions are made in partnership with employers and are based on safety, readiness, and workplace requirements.
A student must:
Be at least 15 years old and be able to travel independently to the work site.
Be employed and receiving wages.
Work in a recognized SkilledTradesBC trade with a red seal employer.
Be registered with SkilledTradesBC as a youth apprentice (registered through SD8)
Have a signed training plan and employer support.
Have documented safety training with SD8 prior to entering the workplace agreement.
Receive school credit for documented work hours and be supervised by an SD8 certified teacher.
Skilled Trades BC (Youth Work in Trades)
Application Package: