Frequently Asked Questions

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What is an apprentice?

An apprentice is someone learning a trade while he or she is employed. An apprentice has an apprenticeship contract with an employer that is registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).

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What is a journey person?

A journey person is someone who has learned the skills of the trade. A journey person holds a Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification for their craft.

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What is Red Seal?

In certain trades it is possible for graduate apprentices to qualify for the Inter provincial Red Seal, which means their trade qualifications are recognized throughout Canada. The Inter provincial Red Seal is awarded upon obtaining a passing mark of 70% on an approved inter provincial examination.

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How do I know if I am qualified to take apprenticeship training?

You must be a registered apprentice and you must take your apprenticeship training in sequential order, Level 1, 2, 3, 4. For example, you can not take level 2 without completing level 1.

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How do I choose a trade?

BCIT offers Trades Discovery for Women and Trades Discovery General for both women and men, which explore the different aspects of each trade.

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How long is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship can be up to 5 years depending on the trade. An apprenticeship consists of on the job training plus in-school technical training usually taken once a year. The length of training the in-school portion of your training depends on the trade. For example, Electrical is 10 weeks, and Boilermaker is 5 weeks.

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What is the total cost of apprenticeship?

Please refer to the fee schedule for details. Books and supply costs can vary with each level of training. Book requirements are available from the bookstore. Contact Apprentice Services for more information.

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What apprenticeship trades are offered at BCIT?

BCIT offers apprenticeship training in over 20 trades.

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Can I start my apprenticeship at other schools and finish it at BCIT, and vice versa?

Yes, and if you complete your highest level of apprenticeship training at BCIT and receive your Trade Qualification, then you are eligible for a BCIT Trades Training Diploma. Refer to BCIT's training schedule for available dates.

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I have experience in a trade and I would like to find out if I am eligible to write the Certification Exam.

You will need to contact the Industry Training Centre at 1-866-660-6011. BCIT offers refresher courses in some trades to help prepare you to write the exam:

AUTO 0091
  Automotive Service Technician 1 CQ Refresher
AUTO 0100
  Automotive Service Technician IP Refresher
CARP 0100  Carpentry CQ Refresher
CTMX 0100
  Commercial Transport Mechanic CQ Refresher
TELC 0105  Electrical IP/TQ Refresher
HDMX 0100
  Heavy Duty Mechanic CQ Refresher
MILL 0101
  Millwright CQ Refresher
PPGS 0124  National Plumbing Code Refresher
PPGS 0220
  Plumbing Interprovincial Training (for challenging the Red Seal Exam)
HVAC 0100
  Refrigeration C of Q Refresher

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Does BCIT help you find a job as an apprentice?

BCIT Student Employment Services offers you many kinds of assistance in your job search, although the job-finding responsibility rests with you. Register for eJobs, BCIT's on-line job posting system. Employers who want to hire you advertise on eJobs every day.

For additional assistance, WorkBC Employment Services offers services that include job-search resources, personal employment planning, skills assessment and training, and work experience placement.

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How do I obtain and submit a criminal record check?

BCIT is required to ensure that adults who are attending a BCIT program located on a high school site have completed a criminal record check before they are fully accepted to attend a program at that site.

Do NOT complete a criminal record check through the Criminal Records Review act. Criminal record checks can be obtained through your local police agency (Commissionaire BC, RCMP or Police Detachment). All costs pertaining to this search are the responsibility of the applicant. Proceed with your check as soon as possible as the processing time is approximately two weeks.

If you have a criminal record, this does not automatically prevent you from attending a high school site. Depending on the nature of the offence, you may or may not be permitted to attend. The final decision rests with the Registrar at BCIT. Visit the BC Government's list of offenses reviewed for more information.

Submit the original criminal record check to Apprentice Services in-person or by mail. Include your BCIT ID and the name of your program. Email or fax copies will be accepted; however, BCIT reserves the right to request the original at any time.  Please note that if you have submitted a criminal record check to BCIT within the last 5 years, you do not need to submit another check.

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What are the requirements to write the BCSA Class B Gas Certification Exam?

The BC Safety Authority (BCSA) introduced new requirements to write the Class B Gas Certification Exam. For more information please refer to BCSA Class B Gas Certification Exam Requirements [PDF]

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I am already an apprentice ...

How can I pay my tuition fees?

Fee payment, refunds and other information for apprentices are covered in Admission and Registration.

If your employer is paying for your training, please have your employer contact BCIT Apprentice Services.

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Should I buy my books before I start my training?

Yes. Find out which books you need at the bookstore.

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What do I need for equipment and supplies?

Refer to the Equipment and Supply Requirements for Apprentice Programs [PDF] form to ensure you are prepared for the first day of your program.

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