Career Education
Skilled Trades Programs
Giving students a head start in their apprenticeship journey
School District 54 works with technical training providers to offer pre-apprenticeship trades programs to students in grades 11 and 12. These dual-credit programs give interested students a chance to get a head start on a career in the trades while in still in high school. They earn elective credits toward graduation and their first year of apprenticeship coursework.
There are limited seats in our trades programs, and in addition to a completed application package and interview, applicants must demonstrate maturity, an adequate academic track record, and have the prerequisite courses.
The tuition for these courses are paid for by the school district. Students are required to pay an initial $1000 deposit to their respective secondary schools, and this deposit is returned upon successful completion of the course with a final mark of 70% or higher. A final mark of 50% must be achieved to receive course credits.
Applications and Forms
Fill out and submit the appropriate forms to your Career Coordinator.
Programs for 2024-2025
Professional Cook Level 1
February 2025 - July 2025
Delivered by Coast Mountain College, the Professional Cook Level 1 program provides students with the skills and knowledge required as an apprentice cook or entrance into higher levels of the Professional Cook program. Students will learn to achieve and be expected to uphold the professional standards for apprentices in this trade.
A Professional Cook 1 is able to perform basic cooking and food preparation tasks using knife skills, correct terminology, and a variety of cooking methods. They will learn the preparation and presentation of vegetables, soups, sauces, meat, fish and poultry, desserts, baking, and pastry. They will also learn basic menu planning/costing as well as understanding safety, sanitation, and food storage.
Location: Coast Mountain College Campus, Smithers
Prerequisites: English 10 OR English First Peoples 10, Workplace Math 10 OR Foundations of Math and Pre-calculus 10
Fees:
- School District 54 will cover the cost of tuition ($3,287).
- Students are required to pay an initial $1000 deposit on all trades programs.This is refunded up successful completion of the program and a final mark of 70% or higher.
- Students will be responsible for books, knife kit, uniform set and any other associated fees.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit the following to the Career Coordinator at your school
- SD54 Career Program Application Package
- Coast Mountain College Trades Application
- Coast Mountain College Release of Information
- School transcript (from academic counsellor)
Carpentry Foundations
February 2025 - July 2025
Also delivered by Coast Mountain College, the Harmonized Carpentry Foundation program teaches students how to read plans and use a variety of tools, to assemble and erect concrete forms, wood and metal frame construction, and install interior and exterior finishing for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Successful students will have developed carpentry skills while working on practical projects such as garden sheds, garages, small cabins, and will finish with a major project such as building a foundation and house frame using standard platform or timber frame construction. Students must be prepared to participate in an outdoor environment.
Location: Houston Secondary School, Houston.
Prerequisites: English 10 OR English First Peoples 10, Workplace Math 10 OR Foundations of Math and Pre-calculus 10
Fees:
- School District 54 will cover the cost of tuition ($2,885).
- Students are required to pay an initial $1000 deposit on all trades programs.This is refunded upon successful completion of the program and a final mark of 70% or higher.
- Students will be responsible for classroom supplies, tools, PPE, and any other associated fees.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit the following to the Career Coordinator at your school
- SD54 Career Program Application Package
- Coast Mountain College Trades Application
- Coast Mountain College Release of Information
- School transcript (from academic counsellor)
Future Offerings
Welding Foundations
February 2026 - July 2026 (Semester 2)
Delivered by the Piping College of BC, the Welder Foundation program is the entry level program for this trade. Completing this program permits you to weld in the construction and metalworking industries. Training consists of learning to weld various steel and aluminum parts using shielded metal arc (SMAW), gas metal arc (GMAW), and flux core arc welding (FCAW) processes, in the fabrication, construction, erection, and repair components of structures, and in plate and structural applications.
Upon successful completion of this training (minimum mark of 70% in the technical training portion and Level 1 and Level 2 ITA standardized written exams) the ITA (Industry Training Authority) will grant a Certificate of Completion for Welder Foundation.
Location: Smithers Secondary School (Transportation from Houston will be available, and students travelling must use this bus to participate)
Prerequisites: English 10 OR English First Peoples 10, Workplace Math 10 OR Foundations of Math and Pre-calculus 10
Note: Priority will be given to grade 11 and 12 students when there are limited seats available.
Fees:
- There are no tuition fees for students.
- Students are required to pay an initial $1000 deposit on all trades programs. This can be paid at either secondary school office and is refunded upon successful completion of the program and a final mark of 70% or higher.
- Students will be responsible for steel-toe boots, overalls, and safety glasses.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit the following to the Career Coordinator at your school (Note, this program is scheduled for the winter of 2026)
- SD54 Career Program Application Package
- Piping College of BC Application
- School transcript (from academic counsellor)
Piping Foundations
September 2026 - January 2027 (Semester 1)
Delivered by the Piping College of BC, training in Piping Foundations consists of learning the basics of three of the piping trades: Plumbing, Sprinkler-fitting and Steamfitting. With a strong focus on safety and practical projects, this course is designed for individuals who are unsure of which trade they want to pursue and/or have little experience working on a job site or with tools. Midway through the program, students choose the trade they would like to pursue and write the final level exam in their trade of choice. Upon successful completion, students are awarded a certificate of completion and are given credit for completion of Level 1 apprenticeship in their chosen trade.
Location: Houston Secondary School (Transportation from Smithers will be available, and students travelling must use this bus to participate)
Prerequisites: English 10 OR English First Peoples 10, Workplace Math 10 OR Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10
Note: Priority will be given to grade 11 and 12 students when there are limited seats available.
Fees:
- There are no tuition fees for students.
- Students are required to pay an initial $1000 deposit on all trades programs. This can be paid at either secondary school office and is refunded upon successful completion of the program and a final mark of 70% or higher.
- Students will be responsible for steel-toe boots, overalls, and safety glasses.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit the following to the Career Coordinator at your school (Note, this program is scheduled for the fall of 2026)
- SD54 Career Program Application Package
- Piping College of BC Application
- School transcript (from academic counsellor)
Click here for more information on Piping Foundations
Skilled Trades at CMTN in Terrace
Check CMTN website for upcoming dates
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 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. Programs offered may include welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and others, with students earning both high school graduation credits and Level 1 technical training toward their chosen trade.
Students participating in the 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. 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 May 30 of the school year prior to the program’s start. 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.
Location: Coast Mountain College, Terrace Campus
Prerequisites: Check with academic counsellor for exact prerequisites
Fees:
- There are no tuition fees for students.
- Students are required to pay an initial $1000 deposit on all trades programs. This can be paid at either secondary school office and is refunded upon successful completion of the program and a final mark of 70% or higher.
- Students will be responsible for safety equipment, textbooks, and other materials.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit the following to the Career Coordinator at your school
- SD54 Career Program Application Package
- Coast Mountain College Trades Application
- Coast Mountain College Release of Information
- School transcript (from academic counsellor)
Coast Mountain College – Terrace Campus
