Northwest Trades & Employment Training Centre serves as the career education school for Coast Mountain School District 82 and also oversees the North Coast Distance Education School. Our purpose is multifaceted and district-wide, supporting over 4,300 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 — including adult learners through our distance learning programs.
We are proud supporters of the Youth Programs established by Skilled Trades BC, which include:
- Youth Discover
- Youth Explore
- Youth Work
- Youth Train in Trades (also known as Dual Credit)
Currently, we are expanding our Dual Credit offerings to include academic programming, broadening the pathway options available to our students.
Our work includes career transition planning across all three major high schools in the district. We coordinate the Work Experience Program district wide and Career Life Connections 12 in both Terrace and Kitimat. Additionally, we organize large-scale events such as Grade 7 Maker Days, which bring together hundreds of students with local employers who showcase their industries and inspire future career paths. These events are designed to spark curiosity and create real opportunities for student engagement.
Networking and collaboration are central to who we are. We work closely with Coast Mountain College and the Piping Industry College to support student exploration and provide foundational training. We rely on industry partners to help fund student opportunities and create meaningful work placements. Our partnerships span across local employers, community organizations, and Indigenous communities — offering students support, cultural connection, and broader career opportunities.
We are also fortunate to receive support from provincial and regional organizations such as Skilled Trades BC, the Ministry of Education, Northern Health, Rotary Clubs, the BC Construction Foundation, and others. Together, we help build and expand transitional career exploration and training pathways.
Ultimately, our mission is to inspire students to actively engage in their learning, explore diverse career options, and unlock their full potential. We aim to put tools and opportunities into students’ hands earlier in their educational journey — ensuring equitable access to career education regardless of where a student lives in the district. We are here to support every student as they navigate their unique path into adulthood — helping them discover who they are, what they want to do, and how to take the next steps toward a fulfilling future.