KPU Tech campus, home to our apprenticeship programs, is conveniently located in Cloverdale, British Columbia to serve communities south of the Fraser River, including Richmond, Surrey, Langley and the Fraser Valley, as well as communities north of the Fraser, such as Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission. KPU is a SkilledTradesBC designated training provider, offering technical training in appliance service, automotive, construction, horticulture, electrical, parts and warehousing, plumbing and welding for registered apprentices.

An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential – or “ticket”. SkilledTradesBC leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. SkilledTradesBC works with employers, apprentices, industry, labour, training providers such as KPU, and government to issue credentials, support apprenticeships, fund programs, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades. KPU does not issue apprenticeship credentials; this is done by SkilledTradesBC.

Apprenticeship Training 

There are three major components of apprenticeship training:

• A formal agreement between the employer, apprentice and SkilledTradesBC;
• In-school technical training;
• Work-based training (on the job).

Role of an Apprentice

Apprentices have an employer to sponsor them and are registered with SkilledTradesBC; more importantly they have made a commitment to learn applied skills both on the job and in school. To enhance your understanding of the requirements to earn certification it is recommended you review the Industry Training Program Profile for your trade on the SkilledTradesBC website.

In-School Technical Training

As an apprentice discuss appropriate times with your employer to attend in-school technical training for approximately 6 - 10 weeks per year over a four year period. To progress, an apprentice must meet SkilledTradesBC program requirements for the in-school technical training and standardized level exam that includes both practical and theoretical components. KPU offers in-school apprentice technical training in the skilled trades listed below.

Work-Based Training

All apprenticeship programs have identified work-based training. On-the-job training provides an opportunity for students to apply the theory that they learned through their in-school technical training into practice. Track your hours/work with your sponsor and report this information to SkilledTradesBC every 6 to 12 month. Review your apprentice transcript on line through SkilledTradesBC Portal to ensure your information is up-to-date and accurate.

Fees

KPU regulations regarding fee payment, withdrawals, and refunds of tuition are distinct for apprenticeship programs.

Fee Payment

Students registering for an apprenticeship level must complete the Apprenticeship Registration Form and submit it to Apprentice Services for registration processing.

Apprentice Evaluation Fee

For each program registration, students will be assessed a $10.00 Apprentice Evaluation Fee, in addition to tuition and student fees.

Refunds and Fee Adjustment Rules

Full refunds will be given to individuals that are waitlisted for an apprenticeship level and not eventually admitted, as well as to individuals that are registered for an apprenticeship level that is cancelled. Full refunds, except for the Apprentice Evaluation Fee, will be given to individuals that are deemed ineligible for an apprenticeship level. Individuals that are registered for an apprenticeship level and choose to withdraw must notify KPU of their intention to withdraw. Withdrawals are subject to refunds and fee adjustments, according to the timing of notification of withdrawal:

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A student who withdraws from an apprenticeship level within 14 days of the start of classes is not entitled to a refund of the apprentice evaluation fee or tuition; however, student fees and student association fees will be refunded until the end of the first week of classes.

Sponsored Students

Students whose fees are being paid by a sponsoring agency must complete the Apprenticeship Registration Form and submit it to Apprentice Services for registration processing. Sponsored students are responsible for all tuition fees; liability will be removed once the Apprenticeship Registration Form and Letter of Authorization are received. For additional information, consult Apprentice Services.

Fee Deferrals

Students seeking a fee deferral should contact Student Awards and Financial Assistance. Once a fee deferral has been approved, students must complete the Apprenticeship Registration Form and submit it to Apprentice Services for registration processing.

Withdrawing

Students may withdraw from an apprenticeship level until the mid-point of the course. To officially withdraw, a student must inform KPU, either via the online registration system or by submitting a completed withdrawal form to Apprentice Services or Student Enrollment Services. A student who stops attending class but does not officially withdraw by the deadline will be assigned a grade based on the work completed in the level. All withdrawals are subject to the Refunds and Fee Adjustment Rules.

Grades & Records

Apprenticeship grades are recorded on the University transcript using percentage values (effective 2014/15). Apprenticeship grades are GPA neutral. Grade point values are assigned to distinct ranges of percentage grades as follows:

Apprenticeship Grading System

The Apprenticeship Grading System is used only for reporting outcomes of apprenticeship levels. For reference purposes, a letter grade can be calculated by converting the percentage grade to a letter grade using the Standard Grading System defined in Policy AC4, Student Evaluation and Grading.

SkilledTradesBC Reporting

Apprenticeship level outcomes are reported to SkilledTradesBC. Depending on the trade and level, outcomes reported on the KPU transcript may include Standard Level Exam results.