The WEST Program helps people with developmental and cognitive disabilities develop the skills to get and keep employment. You work on vocational, academic, work and essential life skills. The WEST Program is offered in-person at the tiwšɛmawtxw campus.

Upcoming WEST deliveries

Our first delivery of the WEST program starts in January 2024 and runs until June 2024. This is a condensed delivery best suited for students who have previously completed all or most of WEST Year 1.

  • WEST Year 2 Condensed January 2024 to June 2024
  • WEST Year 1 (Modules 1,2,3) September 2024 to June 2025
  • WEST Year 2 (Modules 4,5,6) September 2025 to June 2026

Course content

These courses are offered for the  January to June 2024 condensed delivery

January 8 to March 29, 2024

TRIN 001 - Serving It Right
TRIN 003 - Workplace Reading
TRIN 004 - Workplace Writing
TRIN 005 - Intro to PowerPoint
CMCN 007 - Community Connections Practicum

April 8, 2024 to June 28, 2024

SKIP 001 - Linking Learning to Life
SKIP 002 - Strategies For Employment
SKIP 003 - Living On Your Own
SKIP 005 - Skills for Independence Practicum

You spend one or two mornings a week in hands-on, work-related activities that introduce you to job-related skills. Work site training will happen at various locations in the qathet Region. In these settings, you learn positive work habits for entry-level work areas such as retail, janitorial, horticultural and food preparation. This takes place in the second semester of the first year.

  • You must be at least 17 years of age and out of high school for at least one year, or you must have completed high school.
  • You must be able to attend classes and practicum independently.
  • You must have a diagnosis or history that identifies a difficulty with learning or a documented disability
  • You must be able to do program related tasks with strength and endurance.

Notes on Admission

A criminal record check may be required for some modules. An interview will be required to ensure suitability for entrance into the program.

  1. Call the program coordinator at 604-485-8028 to discuss your interests.
  2. Arrange to visit our classroom to see how classes are structured.
  3. Complete an Application Form and obtain your “Permission to Register.”
  4. Take your form to Registration and get registered. You must pay an application fee at this time.

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When you applyto the program, you will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When you apply to graduate, you will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Financial assistance is available

Funding is available for students with financial needs. Contact our Financial Aid & Awards office for more information. 

Contact Financial Aid & Awards

Further information

tiwsemawtxw campus will be offering WEST Year 1 starting in September 2024 and WEST Year 2 in September 2025.

For more information please contact Elyse Freeborn, Program Coordinator elyse.freeborn@viu.ca or contact an Advisor at Student Services PR.StudentAffairs@pr.viu.ca

Canada BC logo - funding provided by Government of Canada and Province of BC