Skilled Trades Techniques

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
WoodstockSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 		 Domestic | International
St. AndrewsSeptember 2025 (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 certificate 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:

      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:

        This course is designed to introduce learners in the skilled trades to a variety of basic tools and their uses within the context of safe work practices. 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.
         

        This course introduces learners to the concepts of entrepreneurship. Learners develop skills to determine what is involved in starting a business.
         

        In this course, learners acquire an understanding of air, soil, and water impacts and how to identify and mitigate them using government regulations and acts. The topics discussed are based on current affairs and local priorities. 

        In this course, learners focus on acquiring acquire basic financial skills to work in the trades as an employee. They also develop the necessary math skills needed to ensure financial success.
         

        This course is designed to provide learners with introductory skills in mathematics and relate them to blueprint reading.

        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.

          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:

            Creating a customer service culture is more than serving someone at the customer service desk. It involves building a company culture where the company’s efforts focus on the customer, and team members agree upon and care about the customer service values of the company. 

            In this course, learners discover how impressions and actions are vital to gaining and retaining customers. It provides insight into customers’ opinions and the influence of corporate values on customer service. Learners explore various topics related to customer service, including written, oral and telephone techniques, listening skills, and customer scheduling and prioritization.
             

            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:

              In this course, learners complete a capstone project, developing abilities essential to function in the skilled trades industry, such as teamwork, job planning, problem-solving, time management, and process optimization. A capstone project allows the learner to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the duration of the program.
               

              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

                  72106 - Welders and related machine operators
                  72200 - Electricians (except industrial and power system)
                  72300 - Plumbers
                  72310 - Carpenters
                  72401 - Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
                  75110 - Construction trades helpers and labourers
                  75119 - 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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