Your time spent at the Finishing Trades Institute of BC is an important part of your career and work life. Here are some helpful tips to prepare you for your training, and make your experience with us as valuable and productive as possible.

DAILY ROUTINE
Classes for apprentices typically run five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a lunch break at 11:30 a.m. and coffee breaks throughout the day. We observe all the usual holidays. Attendance is a compulsory part of apprenticeship. If you are sick or cannot attend because of an emergency, you are expected to notify the FTI by calling 604-580-3112. Repeated absences can result in expulsion from the program.

PARKING
The FTI offers free parking to its students. If you are travelling by transit, consult TransLink. Plug in the address you are departing from and the FTI's address 12277 Industrial Road, Surrey, B.C. The website will recommend the best route.

WHAT TO BRING
Wear work clothes, including proper safety boots. You will be handling all the tools and materials you typically work with on a job site. Painters should wear their whites, Glaziers should bring eye protection and Drywall Finishers should bring their hand tools. All students should bring workbooks from previous years' study.

CHANGE ROOMS
There are men's and women's change rooms and washrooms, including lockers. Bring your own lock.

LUNCH
The FTI has a fully equipped lunchroom with vending machines, coffee, a microwave and a refrigerator. Most students bring lunches and snacks. Nearby restaurants include Subway, McDonalds and the Railway Café. The lunchroom also has a computer for student use which has internet access, but does not support email.

CELL PHONES
Cell phones must be turned off when students are engaged in programs in classrooms or training areas. The office will accept messages for students, but will not interrupt classes or training sessions. There is also a free student phone in the lunchroom. It's for local calls only.

SMOKING
The FTI is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is tolerated outside the building at least 3 metres away from any doorways, windows, or air intakes.

Consumption of alcohol or drugs is not tolerated and students found to be under the influence of either can be expelled from the program.

OUT OF TOWN STUDENTS
Typically, out of town students stay with friends or relatives. The FTI will also refer students to local Bed and Breakfast accommodations. Call the FTI at 604-580-3112 for details.

OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact the FTI either by telephone or by email through our Contact Us page.