Career Education

Dual-Credit Programs

School District 54 works with post-secondary institutions and training providers to offer dual-credit programs to students in Grades 11 and 12. These programs provide students with an opportunity to begin post-secondary coursework while still enrolled in high school. Students earn elective credits toward graduation, as well as recognized post-secondary credit applicable to their chosen program or credential.

Enrollment in dual-credit programs is limited. In addition to a completed application package and interview, successful applicants must demonstrate readiness for a post-secondary learning environment. This includes consistent attendance, a proven track record of commitment to their learning, the ability to work independently, and behaviour that reflects the expectations of a post-secondary setting. Applicants must also have completed all required prerequisite courses and maintain an academic record that supports success in the program.

Tuition for dual-credit courses is covered by the school district. Unless the program states otherwise, students are required to submit a $1,000 deposit to their secondary school, which is refunded upon successful completion of the course with a final grade of 70% or higher. A minimum final grade of 50% is required for students to receive course credit. 

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Programs for 2026-2027

Early Childhood Education

TBD

Early Childhood Education students learn the current best practices in early learning and care, reflecting the changing needs of children and families in the 21st century. The dual-credit program consists of two courses, and upon completion of at least one of the courses listed below (ECCE 104 and ECCE 167), students may apply for the Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate with the Early Childhood Registry. This allows students to work within the childcare system while continuing to complete the BC ECE Certificate Program or ECCE Diploma.

Location: Coast Mountain College Campus, Smithers

Class times: TBD

Prerequisites: English 11 or English First Peoples 11

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Talk with your academic counsellor or school career coordinator to determine suitability and prerequisite courses
  2. Fill out and submit a Coast Mountain College Dual-Credit form

More info on the ECCE Assistant program

Introduction to Health Practices

TBD

The Intro to Health course is a dual-enrollment course for students in Grades 11 and 12, with room for Grade 10 students if there are seats available. This program explores a wide variety of health professions through hands-on learning, guest lectures, and field studies. Students hone their health practice interests: Family doctor, Cardiologist, Psychiatrist, Lab technician, Ultrasound/X-ray Technician, Dentist, Veterinarian, Nurse, Health Care Assistant, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Paramedic, and other related fields.

The program also takes part in the Rural e-Mentoring Program, where aspiring healthcare students are partnered with practicing professionals in their field to support their journey into the field.

Students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health sector are encouraged to take this highly engaging course.

Location: Coast Mountain College Campus, Smithers

Class times: Monday through Friday (no Thursday) @ 1:48-3:10pm

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Talk with your academic counsellor or school career coordinator to determine suitability and prerequisite courses
  2. Fill out and submit a Coast Mountain College WTCS Application
  3. Fill out and submit a Coast Mountain College Dual-Enrollment form
  4. Fill out and submit a Rural E-Mentoring BC form

Graphic Design

September 9 - December 7 (2026)

This project-based course introduces students to the fundamentals of graphic design and visual communication. Students learn to apply the design process to real-world problems, moving from research and problem definition through to concept development and final design solutions. Projects progress from hand-rendered sketches to digital and print mockups using industry-standard design software.

Students earn both secondary school credit and university credit through Simon Fraser University. This course is well suited for students interested in design, media, marketing, or creative technologies, and who are prepared to work independently and manage project-based learning.

Location: Online

Class times: Tuesdays 4:30-7:30pm

Prerequisites: English 11 or English First Peoples 11

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Talk with your academic counsellor or career coordinator to determine suitability.
  2. Submit the SD54 Career Programs Application form

Game Design & Development

January 5 - April 12 (2027)

This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of game design and development. Students explore game mechanics, design principles, and introductory programming concepts through practical exercises and guided projects. Learning progresses from small gameplay experiments to more complex game structures and systems.

Students earn high school credit alongside university credit through Simon Fraser University. The course is ideal for students interested in games, interactive media, coding, or digital storytelling, and who demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and persistence with technical learning.

Location: Online

Class times: Tuesdays 4:30-7:30pm

Prerequisites: English 11 or English First Peoples 11

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Talk with your academic counsellor or career coordinator to determine suitability.
  2. Submit the SD54 Career Programs Application form

Skilled Trades Programs

See below for programs and dates
  • Piping Foundations – Plumbing, Sprinklerfitting, Steamfitting (Piping Industry College – Terrace, Feb – June)
  • Carpentry Foundations (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 2)

  • Welding Foundations (CMTN – Terrace, Sept – April)

  • Professional Cook Level 1 (CMTN – Terrace, Sept – April)

  • Automotive Technician Foundations (CMTN – Terrace, Sept – April)

  • Electrical Foundations (CMTN – Terrace, Semester 2)

  • Heavy Duty Mechanical Technician Foundations (CMTN – Terrace, September–May)

  • Hairstylist Foundations (CMTN – Terrace, September–May)

Students in School District 54 have the unique opportunity to get a head start on a career in the skilled trades by attending Coast Mountain College or the Piping Industry College in Terrace, BC. Through the Train in Trades partnership, eligible students can complete the first year of a Red Seal trade program while still in high school. Students can earn both high school graduation credits and Level 1 technical training toward their chosen trade.

Students participating in a Terrace-based program will need to live away from home during their training. Most students choose to stay in the Coast Mountain College student residence, while others may arrange to live with friends or family in the Terrace area. Please note that the Piping Industry College does not have dorms and students will need to arrange for housing away from the facility. This is a more independent experience than local programs with minimal daily supervision. As such, it’s well-suited for students who are motivated, responsible, and ready for a post-secondary learning environment.

As with all skilled trades programs offered through the district, the cost of tuition and student fees is fully covered by School District 54. However, families are responsible for a $1,000 program deposit to secure their child’s spot. This deposit is due by July 1 for programs that start in the fall, and December 1 for programs that start in the winter. In addition to the deposit, students should be prepared to cover their living expenses—such as housing and meals—as well as the cost of required tools, safety equipment, and textbooks.

For families concerned about the financial commitment, there may be support available. Students are encouraged to speak with their school’s career education coordinator to explore funding options and determine whether this pathway is the right fit. These programs are competitive and have limited seats, so early planning and application are key.

Prerequisites: Check with academic counsellor for exact prerequisites

HOW TO APPLY: 

  1. Talk with your academic counsellor or career coordinator to determine suitability.
  2. Fill out and submit the SD54 Career Programs Application form
  3. Fill out and submit the Coast Mountain College Dual-Credit form

Click here for more info from the CMTN Trades website 

University Credit at CMTN

See below for courses and dates
  • Business Communication (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 1)
  • Business Computers (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 1)
  • Financial Accounting I (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 1)
  • Microeconomics (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 1)
  • Introduction to Management (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 1)
  • Canadian Business Law (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 2)
  • Introduction to Marketing (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 2)
  • Business Ethics (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 2)
  • Macroeconomics (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 2)
  • Mathematics of Finance (CMTN – Smithers, Semester 2)

Class times: TBD

Prerequisites: English 11 or English First Peoples 11

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Talk with your academic counsellor or career coordinator to determine suitability.
  2. Submit the SD54 Career Programs Application form