Explore Trades Sampler

Program Description

UFV's Explore Trades Sampler program is designed for students, young adults, and women interested in acquiring practical skills, gaining general employment certifications, and exploring potential careers in the trades. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to investigate various trades—including Automotive, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Plumbing and Piping, and Welding. By the conclusion of the program, participants will be certified in Forklift Truck operation, First Aid, and the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), equipping them to either enter trade foundation training or pursue an apprenticeship in their chosen trade.

Program Details

• Credential: Statement of completion
• Format: Full time
• Delivery: In person
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Location: Chilliwack — Trades and Technology Centre
• Tuition: $1,912.00
• Additional Costs: CSA approved steel-toed boots are mandatory.
• Start Dates: September

Employment Facts

The Explore Trades Sampler program serves as a career exploration avenue, allowing participants to earn valuable certifications which can facilitate general employment opportunities with retailers, warehouses, manufacturers, or processing plants. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to begin a trade foundation training or select an apprenticeship in their area of interest.

The current demand for skilled tradespeople in Canada is at an all-time high, with particular needs for electricians, welders, mechanics, carpenters, and pipefitters. Training in a trade can pave the way to rewarding and well-compensated careers.

Entrance Requirements

• No application or entrance exam is needed.
• Minimum age requirement is 15.

Program Outline

The program structure is intended for participants to gain exposure across diverse trades, providing foundational skills essential for a career in the trades.

Participants will learn utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and tools at UFV's spacious Trades and Technology Centre, guided by experienced instructors.

Trades Explored

Participants have the opportunity to investigate a variety of trades, developing foundational skills that are critical should they choose to pursue a career in any trade field:

• Automotive service
• Carpentry
• Culinary
• Electrical
• Plumbing & piping
• Welding

Certification Earned

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive the following certifications, which can enhance their qualifications for general employment in applicable sectors:

• First Aid
• Forklift Truck (forklift training)
• Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)

Career Preparation

Participants will also engage in worksite visits and complete a career preparation module. This comprehensive approach ensures readiness for entering trade foundation training or seeking an apprenticeship thereafter.

Participants acquire basic foundational skills relevant to pursuing a trade.

• Program Content: The program explores various trades through hands-on learning under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Participants utilize top-of-the-line equipment and tools in UFV's spacious Trades and Technology Centre.
• Course Schedule: The program is offered in a full-time format over 12 weeks, with start dates in January and September.
• Modules:
• Trades Explored:
• Drafting
• Electrical
• Heavy Mechanical
• Auto Mechanics
• Carpentry
• Welding
• Plumbing & Piping
• Certifications Earned:
• Forklift Truck (forklift training)
• First Aid
• Career Preparation:
• Worksite visits
• Career preparation module
• Structure: The program comprises a combination of hands-on workshops, theoretical instruction, and career exploration activities.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods likely include a combination of practical demonstrations, written assignments, and participation in class activities.

Teaching:

• The program is delivered by experienced instructors with expertise in their respective trades.
• The teaching methods likely emphasize a hands-on, practical approach to learning.
• Individualized support and guidance are likely provided to students.

Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in various trades.
• Graduates can also pursue further education and training to advance their careers.
• The program highlights the high demand for skilled tradespeople in Canada and the potential for exciting and well-paid careers in this field.

Other:

• The program is designed to provide participants with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about pursuing a career in the trades.
• Participants gain valuable certifications that can be useful for securing general employment opportunities.
• Additional costs may include cotton coveralls and CSA-approved steel-toed boots.
• Registration for the July 2024 intake is open.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver