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What is the Skills X Program? 

The program exposes interested students to various construction and mechanical trades as they explore hands on units in construction related and metal trades. The program will run with a cohort of 16 -18 students, part-time (half days) from Sept-Jan.  

The Skills X Program is available to Grade 10 students. There is an application to be completed “Student Profile”. This will have students report out on their readiness and will require a teacher’s reference. A student can obtain one of these from the counselling suite, the bottom of this page, or from Ms. Larkin in the main office. 

Students will earn a total of 8 high school credits (including Career Life Education 10 and Skills X - a Gr 10 elective). 

What is the Trades Sampler Program?

While this program is not for dual credit, the program exposes interested students to various construction and mechanical trades as they explore hands on units in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, automotive and metal trades.  Work Experience is also a key component of the Trades Sampler Program and gives students an opportunity to develop employability skills which may lead to a paid job and/or an apprenticeship. 

The program will run with a cohort of 16 students, as a half time program all year Sept-June. 

Who can sign up for the Trades Sampler Program?

The Trades Sampler Program is available to Grade 11-12 students who:

• Have a high degree of commitment and maturity.
• Have a good school attendance record.
• Are self-motivated along with the willingness and ability to plan and work independently.
• Have the ability to work as part of a team.
• Are curious / interested about pursuing a pathway in the trades.

What credits can a student earn in the program?

Students will earn a total of 16 high school credits, including wood work, welding, careers courses and work experience. Work Experience (100 hours) is an option at the end of the program, this course allows students to work in a local industry sector in a trade area of their choosing.  If Work Experience is not desired, then students will earn Community Service 12 for their work in the community throughout the year. 

What comes after the Trades Sampler Program?

If a student wishes to pursue a trade's pathway at the conclusion of the program and they are a non-grad, then they can sign up for Youth Train in Trades. This is a full time yearlong program in a trade's area of their choosing:

• Automotive
• Carpentry
• Welding
• Culinary
• Hairdressing (Career Prep Program)

If a student chooses to work in the construction sector at the conclusion of the Trades Sampler Program, and they are a non-grad, then Brooks can support that individual with Youth Work in Trades courses (YWRK 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b). Essentially the student works, gets paid, and earns high school credit. If a student works up to 900 hours in that area/sector then they are eligible for a $1000 scholarship. Please email James.Hanson@sd47.bc.ca for more information around YWT. 

What is my next step?

Please fill out a Trades Sample Initial Interest Form and email or deliver to Ms. Larkin, Careers Counsellor at Brooks Secondary School: Tanya.larkin@sd47.bc.ca