What is The Youth Train In Trades Program?
The Youth Train In Trades (YTT) Carpentry Program is for students who are keenly interested in acquiring industry recognized skills and certification in carpentry, construction and related trades.
YTT provides training for students, Grades 11 and 12, interested in a career in carpentry and related trades. If a Grade 10 student is very interested in the program, the application will be reviewed.
For the 2023-24 school year West Vancouver Schools is moving back to a Linear secondary schedule. As a result, students will attend their home schools and ITA Carpentry on alternating days (Day1/Day 2).
Interested students from other districts should contact Akina Weitzel at aweitzel@wvschools.ca as soon as possible so that we can work with their home school to develop a shared plan.
Students can participate in this Carpentry Program while remaining in their registered secondary school (e.g., Rockridge, Sentinel or WVSS) for core academic subjects.
This intensive program is open not only to students registered in West Vancouver Schools, but also to those students across the North Shore who may be registered in secondary schools outside of West Vancouver Schools (e.g., students registered in the North Vancouver School District).
YTT allows students to receive technical training, typically done at a post-secondary institution, while working towards high school graduation. Each student accepted into the program is registered as a trainee with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
One of the components of assessment and completion is that students write the industry recognized certification exam at the end of the year. By participating in the Youth Train in Trades program, students receive 16 credits (4 courses) towards high school graduation, in addition to Level 1 Carpentry training.
Students also have the option to complete the Youth Work in Trades program, where the hours worked as an apprentice, leads to journeyman certification.
The Youth Train in Trades program is usually completed at a post-secondary institution with associated tuition and materials costs. However, we are offering this YTT program to high school students as part of their graduation program at significantly reduced costs.
Participation in both the Youth Train In Trades (YTT) and the Youth Work In Trades (YWT) program are a desirable combination that enable students to pursue opportunities in carpentry and related trades. It also provides a beneficial path toward further technical training, advanced post-secondary programs and university degrees. Both, Youth Train in Trades and Youth Work in Trades programs can be taken in any order or at the same time and there are no prerequisites.
