The Skills Centre provides free and low-cost skills training and employment programs. We will help you get the certifications you need, help with your resume and interview skills, and offer financial support while you learn.
Get started todayTools for Trades
Carpentry. Mill wright. Metal fabrication. We’ll cover the costs of courses and help you with certifications and other skills to land a job in the trades. If you’re interested in the trades, Tools for Trades may be just what you’re looking for.
This program has finished. If you want to learn other ways we can help, please contact us.
We offer workshops covering topics and activities including:
- Career Assessments
- Soft skills + essential skills workshops
- First Aid
- Communication, appearance, habits, diversity, teamwork + conflict
- Foundations Program
- Short term training courses related to trades
How it works
Tools for Trades can help you get into the Trades Foundations program at Selkirk College and cover the costs up to $7,000. Or we can help you find a job placement in the trades.
We can also provide:
- Up to $800 in support for tools, equipment & clothing required for training or apprenticeship
- A training wage & a bonus when you finish
- We match you with an employer & provide a wage subsidy
Meet your facilitator
Allan Pusey is a Red Seal Carpenter with more than 14 years of hands on work experience in construction, including 5 years operating his own custom woodworking company. He has taught 3 ITA approved Carpentry Red Seal refresher courses and helped over 300 laborers, apprentices and journeypersons prepare for training and new employment in the trades.
Allan has 10+ years of experience working with job seekers and employers across the Kootenays, giving tried and tested advice, assistance and supports. Tools For Trades participants can expect to gain valuable insights into the world of construction, access to funding for foundations training as well as safety courses, work clothing, tools, accurate labour market information, and thorough job search coaching.
Inquire today
"I feel I can better represent myself when interacting with a supervisor or co-worker. I feel more confident of how to express myself better. I am feeling more positive. I would recommend this workshop for sure. I found it very enjoyable and encouraging."
Funding for the programs comes through B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.
