UFV’s Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies (ATS) is hosting an in-person open house from 2:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 29, at the Trades and Technology Centre in Chilliwack. What better way to spend Leap Year 2024 than by jumping into an exploration of the programs offered by ATS, including trades, technologies, and physics.

“A career in the skilled trades offers so many possibilities including the opportunity to use one’s practical skills to find creative solutions to complex problems,” says Teresa Kisilevich, Dean for the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies at UFV.

This open house is an informative, fun-filled event where you can experience what Applied and Technical Studies has to offer students and apprentices. Whether you have already considered a career in trades or technology, are curious about our programs, or simply want to learn more about post-secondary options, this event is a great opportunity to:

• Ask faculty questions about programs and career options
• Chat with current students to get first-hand insight into their trades education experience
• Tour shops, get your hands on the tools, and participate in hands-on activities.
• Register to possibly win a $250 gift card from KMS Tools (by signing up via Eventbritelink)

This event is open to all including current, past, and future students, parents, guardians, educators, student counsellors, employers, and industry partners. Earlier in the day, school buses will be bringing over 200 Grade 9 students through the building to ‘try-a-trade,’ giving them the opportunity to participate in a variety of interactive learning activities.

“We hope that visitors come away from our open house with a deeper understanding of what programs UFV Applied and Technical Studies has to offer, and that they had fun trying something new in a try-a-trade activity or two,” says Emilie Biela, UFV Trades Navigator Student Support and Engagement. “After all, the best way to learn in the skilled trades is getting your hands on the tools!”

The open house also includes the Skills Canada BC Regional competition, with UFV hosting events in architectural CAD, automotive technology, cabinet making, carpentry, culinary, electrical wiring, mechanical CAD, and welding. Welders get an early start to their day, with competition kicking off at 7:30 am. All other events begin at 8:30 am and run until around 2 pm. An awards ceremony follows around 3 pm.

For more info on Leap into Trades, reach out to trades@ufv.ca.

For event updates and exciting opportunities, please follow UFV Trades on Facebook and Instagram.