Trades Sampler

The goal of the program are to introduce students to the knowledge and skills involved in the work of tradespeople; to help them to determine if a career in the trades is a good fit, and if so, which trades are of interest; and to make them aware of potential employment and educational opportunities in our local community, and beyond. The program runs full days for one semester at Brooks. The program will focus primarily on welding and carpentry, with time also spent learning about automotive, plumbing and electrical trades. Students will have shadow days and guest speakers on and off campus and visit the carpentry and automotive programs at VIU. 

Who:

Grade 11 and 12 students, who

What:

2 Elective courses (half-day program) = 8 credits

When:

2 courses (a half-day program) as part of your regular 4-block schedule in one semester

Where:

Brooks Secondary School

Why?

• Explore multiple construction and mechanical trades through hands‑on projects that build real skills, confidence, and understanding of how tradespeople work.

• Get an early start on a high‑demand career path by discovering what you enjoy before committing to specialized training in Grade 11 or 12.

• Learn essential safety, tool use, and trade‑pathway knowledge that prepares you for future programs like Youth Work in Trades, or Youth Train in Trades.
  
  What comes after the Trades Sampler Program?  

  If a student wishes to pursue a trade pathway at the conclusion of the program, they are encouraged to sign up for one of the following:
  • Grade 11 - Trades Sampler program. This is a half-day one-semester program that provides 8 elective credits upon completion. 
  • Grade 11/12 - Youth Work in Trades program, which allows students to get paid to work while gaining up to 16 high school course credits (YWRK 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b). Students must be 15 years of age or older.
  • Grade 12 - Youth Train in Trades Dual Credit Trades programs, which run yearlong. Current local offerings are Automotive and Carpentry through VIU, however, students who wish to pursue training outside the district can get sponsored to attend NIC or Camosun programs, such as Welding, Plumbing, or Electrical (and more).

How?

Each student will be required to have steel-toed boots. Students are encouraged to use the lockers at school for their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - just bring a lock for the locker, or purchase a lock through the school office.