Workforce Development

Through secured funding CNC Community & Continuing Education provides tuition free training for entry-level trades exploration, training and employment services that are targeted to eligible individuals who are under-represented (Indigenous, women, immigrants, and youth) in the trades and/or facing other barriers to sustainable employment.

Job Readiness: Introduction to Sustainable Food Production

Through this course students will develop essential employment skills through an introduction to local, sustainable, small-scale food production for Northern ecosystems (zone 4 b), with an emphasis on Indigenous food systems. Using an experiential learning design, students will examine alternative food systems and will compare the benefits and consequences of local food production. Using the CNC greenhouse as a place of fertile learning, students will develop "Skills for Success" alongside time management, safe handling of materials and reciprocity.

In addition, students will develop Individual Learning Plans and do weekly reflections, improve their resume and interview skills, develop cultural agility and have an orientation to CNC's academic programs.

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8 weeks, offered 1 time
Tuition Free

April 17 - June 9, 2023 

This program is intended to support multi-barrier youth between the ages of 15-30 years old. Applicants must not currently be enrolled in high school. This training program will enable students to prepare for employment and/or advanced studies and designed to support the individual learning styles of the cohort.


Trades Exploration Program

A first in B.C., the Trades Exploration Program in Prince George was developed to help unemployed and underemployed individuals living with brain injuries explore trades occupations as a carpenter, automotive service technician, and professional cook as well as gain the skills needed to obtain entry into those industries.

Industry Training Authority (ITA) and Prince George Brain Injured Group (PGBIG) partnered with the College of New Caledonia (CNC) to fund and deliver this innovative 12 week program.

The Trades Exploration Program was designed as a part-time program tailored to the pace of learning and work to the needs of the students, to best ensure their success. The program provided free tuition, books, work clothing and personal protective equipment and included additional supports such as an in-class coordinator, daily meals, and transit to and from the college.

Eight individuals from the northern interior participated in the program, completing 60 hours in each discipline, as well as they received first aid and certifications.


Skilled Labourer Program

With funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training through the Workforce Development Agreement the Skilled Labourer Program was developed for youth age 17-29 who are either unemployed, precariously employed, or had just cause for leaving their current employment. This program is ten weeks long and includes core industry certificates, occupational skills, job placement or practicum experience, an essential skills component and job readiness skills.

Supports for students include:

  • Tuition, fees, and books.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Weekly training wage (attendance based).
  • Wage subsidies for one month of employment (depending on employer interest).
  • Fuel allowance or bus pass (UPass).

Please see the Skilled Labourer Student Resources page.

  • Samuel Gyllich

    I learned a lot and met so many great people through the Skilled Labourer Program. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in a trade. It doesn’t matter what trade either because the program teaches you so many skills that are useful for any job. I got a scholarship through the program and am now doing welding, which is a huge weight off my shoulders.

    Samuel Gyllich

    Skilled Labourer Student
  • Brendan Foreman

    I’ve always been interested in the trades but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. The Skilled Labourer Program opened my eyes to the different possibilities and directions I could branch off into. I received a scholarship through the program and am now in Pipe Trade Foundation. The tickets I received in the Skilled Labourer Program will help me in the industry of pipefitting.

    Brendan Forman

    Skilled Labourer Student

Let us know if you're interested

Fill out this form if you are interested in having an interview to see if you are a fit for the program.

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