The Youth Work in Trades (WRK) program offers high school students a unique opportunity to begin apprenticeship training while earning graduation credits. Starting in Grade 10, students can accumulate up to 16 elective credits by completing 480 hours of paid work-based training in a skilled trade under the supervision of a Red Seal-certified journeyperson.
Program Structure
- School Districts will register sponsors (employers) and apprentices (students) with Skills Trades BC in a particular trade.
- Students can earn four elective courses (4 credits each) for 480 hours worked.
- Training is paid for and takes place in real-world trade environments.
- Students who have earned all 4 courses, graduate with a C+ average, and work 900 can apply for a 1000.00 scholarship.
Learning Focus
The work curriculum emphasizes:
- Workplace safety
- Job readiness
- Work ethic
- Skill development through reflection and hands-on experience
Oversight & Administration
The program is jointly managed by:
- Coast Mountain School District 82 – registers students, monitors progress, and awards credits.
- Ministry of Education and Child Care – oversees curriculum, funding, and guidelines.
- SkilledTradesBC – regulates apprenticeship standards, registers apprentices, and issues credentials.
- A sponsor (employer) registered with SkilledTradesBC ensures students receive proper training and meet industry standards. Employers need to consistently update hours worked by the students at the Skilled Trades BC ‘portal’. Employers work with School District staff to come up with a mark for the students’ elective courses.
Credential Pathways
Students can work toward:
- B.C. Trades Programs – provincially recognized
- Red Seal Programs – recognized across Canada
Apprenticeship Model
- 80% work-based training
- 20% technical/in-class instruction
- Apprenticeships typically take four years to complete.
Ministry Work in Trades Program guide: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/teach/pdfs/curriculum/appliedskills/wrk-guide.pdf
Skilled Trades BC Work in Trades: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/youth%20work-in-trades-program