Welcome to the Career Technical Centre (CTC)

We are a program in Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) where students have choices! CTC pays your Tuition!!

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Want to jump right in and see what we are all about? Read the CTC at a Glance

About the CTC Program

Students earn high school elective credits and valuable knowledge and employable skills via a variety of CTC Programs tailored to students career choices!

SD68 sponsors Tuition for students interested in:

  • Completing a Level 1 of Trade Foundation program via our Youth TRAIN in Trades Program,
  • Up to 1 Year of Eligible Career’s Certificate programs via our Career’s Certificate Program,
  • Tuition for up to 4 PSI courses via the Dual Credit Enrichment Program.
  • We also offer WORK Opportunities for students wanting to sample a variety of careers or for students who would like to become a YOUTH Apprentice via the Youth WORK in Trades Program or the Work Experience (WEX) Program. 
  • CTC also offers the Youth EXPLORE Trades Sampler Program where students can attend 1 semester at VIU and sample several Trades programs.

Eligibility to Apply

  • Students must be of school age. For the 26-27 school year eligible students must have birthdates between July 1, 2007 – December 31, 2021.
  • Students must be Canadian Citizens or be Permanent Residents.
  • All students must be registered with SD68.
  • Students must express a desire to learn and participate in their own success, have good high school attendance and be a student in good standing at their high school.

Program Costs

All non-tuition costs and fees are the responsibility of the student.

Student Loans are not available to CTC Students! However, you may use RESP funds. Letters of Enrollment for RESP’s and Tuition tax receipts are provided to students within VIU’s MyStudent Record once registered at VIU or PSI.

Please refer to our ‘CTC at a Glance’ for estimated costs to students and program requirements.

CTC Sponsored Programs

Students usually start meeting with CTC in Grade 11 for Train in Trades, Career Certificate and Dual Credit Enrichment to accommodate high school grad requirements and course changes.

Youth EXPLORE Trades Sampler

Students sample several Trades programs during 1 high school semester at VIU in either Grade 11 or 12 while earning high school elective credits. CTC offers 4 intakes per school year with 13 seats available in each intake.

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Youth TRAIN in Trades

Students in their Grade 12 year earn Level 1 Foundation Certification by selecting from one of approximately 15 Programs. 82 Post Secondary Education (PSI) seats are available to students in their Grade 12 school year while earning dual credits. Eg. Auto Service Technician, Baking, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrician, Hairdressing, Heavy Equipment Operator, Heavy Mechanical Trades, Motorcycle and Marine Technician, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic and Welding.

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Dual Credit Enrichment

The CTC program also offers the Dual Credit Enrichment Program. Students can take up to 4 (2/semester) required University courses that lead to a specific Certificate, Diploma or Degree in their Grade 12 school year while earning dual credits.

Student fees due to VIU are approximately $333 for each semester you are enrolled in university course(s). Students are also required to purchase required textbooks and supplies for each course enrolled. Students can take up to 4 PSI courses.

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Careers Certificate

Students in their Grade 12 year can be sponsored for 1 year of a Career’s Certificate Program by selecting from one of 5 programs. 13 PSI seats are available and students earn dual credits. Eg. Education Assistant, Early Childhood Education and Care, Health Care Assistant, ITAS Systems Administration and Office Administration.

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Work Experience (WEX)

Students can gain valuable work experience while earning high school elective credits.

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Youth WORK in Trades

Students who find employment with a Trades employer willing to sponsor a student as an apprentice can apply as early as 16 years of age. Students earn high school elective credits and $1000 sponsorship while working towards Red Seal Certification.

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Opportunities for Early Starters

Design Your Career Plan

Every student will graduate with attributes, credentials, and experiences to connect their career life plan with their individual talents and passions in pursuit of a balanced, meaningful and fulfilling life. The CTC offers a unique educational opportunity for students grades 5-12. Here is a list of some our programs:

  • Grades 5-7: Elementary Skills Exploration (Trades Trailer), Skills Canada
  • Grades 8-12: Classroom or Assembly Career Pathways Presentations, Skills Canada
  • Grades 11-12: Trade Sampler (VIU), Youth WORK, Skills Canada
  • Grades 12: Trade Sampler (VIU), Youth WORK , Youth TRAIN, Dual Credit Enrichment, Certificates and Skills Canada

As always, we are pleased to share an amazing story of dedication, determination and passion for learning. Sarah Dmytruk, a January graduate who not only completed the Level C Welding course through the Career Technical Centre (CTC) program in her Grade 11 year, she was also the top female student in the class.

Dover Bay Student
Sarah Dmytruk