Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out BCIT's financial aid and awards page.
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Application Fee: $90 Domestic / $154 Intl
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
Additional requirements
If you have been conditionally accepted to BCIT you will be notified and the following information will be required in order to be accepted into the program:
Once these and any other outstanding conditions have been met, you will receive notification of your full acceptance.
*The Security Services Act of BC requires all security alarm installers in the province to hold a valid Security Worker Licence (Licence type: Security Alarm Installer - under supervision). Once you have provided all other prerequisites you will receive a conditional acceptance package with details on how to obtain your licence. For further information, please refer to the Ministry of Justice Qualifying for a Licence and Applying for a Licence webpages.
Recommended for success
Applicants should possess good health and physical mobility in order to meet the demands of the work.
Good hand/eye coordination and communication skills in both verbal and written English are recommended.
Potential students with medical or physical difficulties should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview (telephone interview if out of town) with the institute's rehabilitation specialist: 604-451-6963.
Trades Discovery
Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Applicants also have to satisfy BCIT's institution admission requirements as listed below.
Review the full English Language Requirements policy here.
There are two ways to meet the English requirement:
1. Complete both of the following:
OR
2. Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening:
English 12 and equivalencies
At BCIT, entrance requirements are program-specific. All programs require English 12, but the percentage required varies by program. Be sure to confirm your program’s specific English requirement before applying.
If you do not meet the requirements, BCIT offers several options to help you upgrade your skills. View more here.
You will need to meet the specific admission requirements of your intended program. Most programs require Grade 12 graduation with specific Grade 11 and 12 courses. Some programs also have non-academic requirements such as submitting a resume or participating in an interview.
For details on BC/Yukon High School credit equivalencies click here.
Review BCIT Entrance Requirements and Application priority .
You will need to meet the specific admission requirements of your intended program. Most programs require Grade 12 graduation with specific Grade 11 and 12 courses. Some programs also have non-academic requirements such as submitting a resume or participating in an interview.
Learn about Canadian high school course equivalencies here.
For more information about admission, please review BCIT Entrance requirements and Application priority
If you have not graduated from secondary school you may still be admitted to BCIT based on your relevant experience. To gain Mature student status, you must also meet BCIT's English-language requirements as well as any prerequisites for your desired program. Please contact BCIT Admissions to discuss your situation further.
Note: there are several Upgrading options through BCIT.
For other information, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of BCIT's Admissions website.
The Technology Entry Program is for students who want to improve their skills in core areas such as communications, Math, Chemistry or Physics to meet the prerequisites of their intended BCIT Technology Program.
Learn about other BCIT Upgrading options here.
Training in a program like this one can lead to different careers. Related occupations are presented to show potential career options, not definite outcomes.
Follow the links to learn more about these careers on WorkBC's career profiles.
Taking a foundation program can help you build the skills that employers are looking for, making you well-positioned to find an employment in the trade and begin an apprenticeship.
Your technical and work-based training hours acquired from the Security Systems Technician: Certificate program will be counted towards your next step in training as an apprentice. To progress as an apprentice, you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). You will then be able to complete the work-based (on-the-job) training hours and next level(s) of the apprenticeship training of your chosen trade in:
For updated details regarding the Industry Training Program, please refer to the above links for respective ITA program profiles.