OC Trades Network
Connecting apprentices to skilled industry mentors.
About OC Trades Network
The OC Trades Network is a free, easy-to-use online platform that connects apprentices with industry leaders for one-on-one mentorship. 
The mentorship platform is available to all apprentices in all OC trades programs and can support with goal setting, industry insight, confidence, developing problem solving strategies and more.
In addition to mentorship, the platform includes educational resources, access to training and exclusive invites to fun events!
How mentorship works
Mentorship can help you
- Identify short- and long-term career goals
- Discover training, resources, and development opportunities
- Understand workplace culture and expectations
- Navigate professional environments, organizational politics and challenges
- Gain constructive feedback and encouragement during challenges or transitions
- Learn leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving approaches
Mentorship is NOT
- A guarantee of employment or promotion
- A substitute for formal training or education
- A replacement for personal responsibility or decision-making
- A source of mental health support (if in crisis, call 911)
- Someone intervening on your behalf with instructors or employers
FAQs
General FAQs
Yes, communication between mentors and mentees are private and confidential. Mentors are bound to an agreement committing to a safe and confidential space for mentees. Please note that confidentiality may be broken to allow for referral if a mentee expresses that they are a danger to themselves or someone else.
- Replacing personal responsibility, professional training or formal decision making.
- Ensuring employment or advancement.
- Replacing training.
- Providing mental health supports. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.
- Making decisions for a mentee; mentors advise but never dictate career choices.
- Intervening and communicating on your behalf with instructors or employers.
Mentee FAQs
An apprentice aged 18+ who lives or works in the BC Interior.
Download the app in the app store to get started!
If you are having trouble, contact the ACTION project team at action@okanagan.bc.ca.
Mentor FAQs
A Red Seal tradesperson, senior apprentice, instructor or trades business owner who is ready to help apprentices succeed.
Fill-in our mentor agreement to get started. If you are have any questions, contact the ACTION project team at action@okanagan.bc.ca.
Mentorship is done on a volunteer basis. Those who mentor gain leadership experience and report a mutual benefit and personal fulfillment. OC will provide training and networking opportunities to our mentors. We encourage mentors to recognize their capacity and to not take on more than they are comfortable with.