Skilled Trades Techniques

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
St. AndrewsSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
WoodstockSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
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Program Overview

Are you interested in a career in Trades, but uncertain which field is the best fit for you?  The Skilled Trades Techniques program provides you with the opportunity to explore a variety of trades prior to committing to one specific trade.  In the first year, examine four different trade areas such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, truck and transport, and marine diesel mechanics. You’ll also acquire general skills such as safety, rigging and hoisting, tools and equipment, communication skills, mathematics, and blueprint reading, which are applicable to any trades position.
 
In the second year, you’ll specialize in the specific trade of your choosing and gain in-depth skills in this area. You’ll be on your way to a full-time career as a tradesperson in your given field. There is a focus on practical hands-on learning in our shops throughout the program and a work placement during the second year. Trades people are in high demand throughout New Brunswick with many of our students having job offers even before graduation. The best way to find out if a trade is for you is to give it a try.

Students attending St. Andrews campus have the option of specializing in Carpentry, Electrical: Construction, Electrical: Industrial, Welding or Marine Diesel Mechanics in Year 2.

Students attending Woodstock Campus have the option of specializing in Carpentry, Electrical: Construction, Welding & Metal Fabrication, Plumbing, or Truck & Transport Service Technician in Year 2. 

Disclaimer: Second year program options are subject to change.
 
Upon successful completion of this 2-year program you will graduate with a diploma in Skilled Trades Techniques: TBD (Depending on your choice of trade specialization).

Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.

Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies

    Career Possibilities

    Graduates may find employment as apprentices, and depending on your choice of trade in the second year, you could work towards being a carpenter, cabinet maker, roofer, electrician, plumber, pipefitter, welder, heavy equipment/truck & transport service technician, diesel mechanic, and many other wonderful career possibilities. Please review the different trade offerings on our website for more specific information on career opportunities.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.

    Specific Considerations

    The nature of trades occupations requires that workers have a certain body strength, agility and endurance so that they can work under the conditions established on job sites, and in shops.  Good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, physical fitness and a sense of balance are important, as is the ability to read and interpret blueprints.  Hours of work may be irregular and may include shift work, weekends, and holidays.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.

    Areas of Study

    • Workplace Safety
    • Rigging & Hoisting
    • Mathematics
    • Tools & Equipment
    • Blueprint Reading Fundamentals
    • Communication Skills
    • Employment Skills
    • Trades Theory & Practice

    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    In this course, learners are introduced to the basic components of working in a trade, being an apprentice, apprenticeship levels and the Red Seal Program.
     

    This course will introduce students to basic electrical installation concepts in the context of Residential Construction. Students will be exposed to the characteristics of electric circuits and participate in practical lab projects.        

    Prerequisites:

      This course is designed to introduce students in the trades to a variety of hand tools, power tools, stationary power tools and equipment and their uses within the context of safe work practices. Students become familiar with the safe use and handling of the tools and equipment commonly used in the trades sector. They are required to demonstrate the selection and safe use of common hand and power tools and receive instruction on several types of fastening systems. 
       

      Prerequisites:

        Students are introduced to basic carpentry concepts in the context of platform frame construction and building finishes. They will be exposed to theoretical and practical concepts in the context of residential construction.
         

        Prerequisites:

          The purpose of this course is to refresh skills in mathematics developed through secondary programs in areas deemed essential for the successful completion of the program. Although the topics covered in this course are common to any math program, every effort is made to illustrate their usage in the trades’ professions.

          In this course, the students are presented with a balance of theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics. Instructional emphasis is focussed on the information, principles and formulas required to perform trade related mathematical calculations.

          Prerequisites:

          • MATH1269A

          This course is designed to introduce students to the basic operating principals of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. Students will be introduced to various measuring tools needed for engine re-build. Students will have the opportunity to tear down and re-build a 4-stroke engine.
           

          Prerequisites:

            This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

            In this course, learners focus on applying communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, document use, and critical thinking to make communication effective and efficient while developing computer-related skills necessary to be successful in college and on the job in a trade.

             

            In this course, learners focus on acquiring job search skills to gain a work-term placement as well as employment while also, developing interpersonal communication skills needed to grow their career.
             

            Students are introduced to the plumbing trade by looking at trade specific details of becoming a plumber.  They are given an understanding of the different types of plumbing systems that are installed. Students are exposed to some of the tools and materials that are used in the plumbing trade and are given the opportunity to join plumbing pipe and install residential fixtures in the laboratory/shop.
             

            Prerequisites:

              This course is designed to provide students with the skills to sketch and read blueprints to extract information. Students learn to interpret information from blueprints and use proper instruments and techniques to produce drawings.
               

              A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

              This course introduces students to the safe use of rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment.

              Prerequisites:

                Students are introduced to various tools and techniques needed for servicing vehicles. Students have the opportunity to practice the learned skills through various shop labs.
                 

                Prerequisites:

                  This course is designed to introduce students into the trades to a variety of generic welding, cutting and shop equipment. Students become familiar in safe use of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Oxy-Fuel Cutting equipment. Students learn to safely set up both GMAW and Oxy-Fuel equipment. Students learn a variety of techniques and practices in the use of these processes.

                  Prerequisites:

                    NOC Codes

                    7237 - Welders and related machine operators
                    7241 - Electricians (except industrial and power system)
                    7251 - Plumbers
                    7271 - Carpenters
                    7312 - Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
                    7611 - Construction trades helpers and labourers
                    7612 - Other trades helpers and labourers

                    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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