The Faculty of Trades and Technology at KPU isn't your average trade school. KPU is the place where thought meets action, so all our trades programs and courses integrate theory with practical hands-on training. Most of our trades programs are SkilledTradesBC-endorsed so you will gain the qualifications needed to work in your trade in Metro Vancouver, BC, and across Canada.

At KPU Tech Campus in Cloverdale, you can start your career with one of our foundation programs or advance your career with one of our apprenticeship programs. Ranging from a few weeks to several months, our industry-based programs will prepare you for positions such as appliance repair technician, automotive service technician, carpenter, electrician, farrier, mason, millwright, parts and warehousing person, plumber, or welder, and put you on a pathway to well-paid work.

Faculty Admission Requirements

All applicants to undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Trades & Technology must satisfy the Faculty's undergraduate admission requirement, which consists of KPU's Undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement.

All applicants to vocational studies in the Faculty of Trades & Technology must satisfy admission requirements specific to the chosen vocational program.

Limited-Intake Programs

Limited-intake programs have a limit on the maximum number of students admitted per application cycle. Applicants who satisfy both the program and Faculty undergraduate admission requirements will be offered admission to the Faculty with direct entry into the designated limited-intake program, as space permits. 

Trades & Technology Programs

Foundations programs are designed to provide entry-level skills and knowledge to those wishing to begin their career in a specific trade. Students successfully completing a foundations program are eligible for industry sponsorship into Level 2 of their respective Apprenticeship option. Technology programs are designed for students seeking to combine academic preparation with applied skills in a particular area. We offer technology programs in Farrier Science.

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship is a government and industry endorsed approach to education that encourages individuals to work in a relevant field while they learn and refine their skills. The individual combines on-the-job, hands-on training with class learning. The on-the-job component, where the apprentice is learning by doing while they earn a pay cheque represents approximately 80% of the total time commitment. The in-class components generally occur at intervals over a four-year period and make up the complementary part of the program. At each level an apprentice must pass industry exams, which have both practical and theoretical components, in order to advance. When the apprentice has passed all levels and completed the on-the-job requirements, he/she is awarded the "journey-person" qualification.

KPU offers in-school apprentice technical training in various skilled trades; details are available in the Apprenticeships section of the University Calendar.

Industry Service Programs

The Faculty of Trades & Technology also offers a selection of industry service courses and professional programs. We are also able to respond to training requests to meet the needs of industry and/or their employees. For more information about these offerings, please see the Faculty of Trades and Technology webpage (kpu.ca/trades).

Pathway to Undergraduate Studies

Applicants who are unable to satisfy the undergraduate Faculty admission requirement may be eligible for admission to the Faculty’s pathway program. See Pathway to Undergraduate Studies for more information.

Dean: Laura McDonald

Phone: 604.598.6112 | Email: laura.mcdonald@kpu.ca

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/trades