Office Administration
10-month Certificate Program
Want a great job in an office? Get the skills employers look for. After ten months of training in the Office Administration program, you can be a top candidate for your dream job. You'll learn the latest office technology, and you'll build a foundation of administrative skills.
Learn more about the Office Administration Program
Carpentry Foundation
8-month Certificate Program
Build the foundation for your career in the carpentry industry with VIU’s Carpentry program. Vancouver Island University’s eight-month Carpentry Training Program is for anyone who wants a career that combines physical and mental work and the rewarding feeling that comes with building things.
Graduates find work as apprentice carpenters, concrete formers, wood framers, finishing carpenter’s helpers, cabinet installers and home renovators. It’s also a good foundation for getting into construction project management. With a combination of classroom and on-the-job training, this Carpentry course is unique – it is one of only two programs in the province that sends students off-site to build real houses.
Learn more about the Carpentry Foundation Program
Culinary Arts
1-year Certificate Program
Calling all domestic and international foodies! Shape your passion and creativity into a rewarding, fast-paced, hands-on career close to home or around the world with Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Arts program.
Our internationally recognized chef training programs at the Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island provides students with hands-on, real-world experiences running service programs in state-of-the-art kitchens and labs. This Culinary Arts program also has a paid co-operative education component that allows students to network and build industry contacts.
Students learn the culinary skills needed to enter careers in world-class hotels, resorts, restaurants, bakeries and more. Educational grants are available to students wanting to train in this high-demand industry.
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Hairstylist Foundation
11-month Certificate Program
Do you see yourself creating great cuts, colours and styles as a professional hairstylist? VIU’s Hairstylist training program carries an excellent reputation – graduates of this program report a high level of success in the industry and many local salons are owned and operated by graduates.
The 11-month hairdressing school program includes Pivot Point International’s A Designer Approach curriculum, which helps build skills, proficiency and confidence in all aspects of hairdressing. Students gain great experience as they perform services on members of the public in the VIU’s School of Hairdressing Salon. They also complete two practicums and have the chance to participate in competitions. Red Seal certification is now available. Explore your passion and creativity in hairdresser school.
Learn more about the Hairstylist Foundation Program
Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic
10-month Certificate Program
If you’re handy, interested in mechanics, and seek a well-paying career that’s in high demand, think about taking the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic program at VIU’s Cowichan Trades Centre. Those who take refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic courses, also known as an HVAC program, can use their skills to enter a service-oriented career field with many opportunities.
Enter a career that won’t keep you in an office, and where you can solve problems with mechanical and technical skills and practical knowledge. Graduates can progress to refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic apprenticeship, using credit toward their journeyperson (Red Seal) certification.
Learn more about the Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic Program
Welding
10-month Certificate Program
Do you have a flare for working with metal? A career in welding is within reach with VIU’s Welding program. Welding is a rewarding, challenging career with lots of well-paying job prospects. VIU offers several levels of training, including a 28-week introductory program that prepares students for entry into this industry. Once students are working in-industry, they can return for VIU’s apprenticeship Welding programs, which prepare them to achieve Red Seal certification.
Graduates of VIU’s Welding programs have found employment in shipyards, fabrication shops and a variety of construction industries.
Learn more about the Welding Program