Explore Trades is a program offered in partnership between the Ministry of Education and Child Care and SkilledTradesBC. It provides students in Grades 10–12 (with a focus on Grade 10) an opportunity to explore a variety of trades, gain practical lifelong skills, and discover which career paths may be a good fit.

There are two distinct components of the program that NTETC offers across the district:

1. Youth Explore Trades

This program is delivered at the school level by district teachers. It allows students to:

• Explore several trades hands-on

• Develop job-readiness skills

• Learn the importance of workplace safety

An added benefit is that this program channels funding back into school classrooms, such as shop classes and kitchen facilities.

More Explore information is available here: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/youth-explore-the-trades-program

2. Explore Trades SAMPLER

This program is delivered by a training institution, such as Coast Mountain College (CMTN) or the Piping Industry College (PIC). It is a 10-week program that:

• Offers students the opportunity to try out multiple trades

• Can earn students up to 2 elective courses (8 credits) toward graduation

• Often includes hands-on, community-based projects (in the case of PIC), creating lasting legacies in host communities

In Terrace, CMTN typically offers 32 seats for this program. In other communities, PIC delivers the program in partnership with the local area.

Through these programs, students often identify trades that match their interests and strengths—leading them into Dual Credit or Youth Work in Trades pathways.