Click here for the Apprentice Class Schedule
Your time spent in training at the Finishing Trades Institute is an important part of your career and work life. The faculty and administration of FTI have developed policies and facilities for its training programs to help you excel in your training endeaviours, including apprenticeship training and journeyperson upgrading. The following information for students has been provided to help you make the most out of your weeks at FTI.
Daily routine
Classes for apprentices typically run five days a week from 7:30 am to 3 pm, with a lunch break at 11:30 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 Institute by calling 604-580-3112. Repeated absences can result in expulsion from the program.
Traveling by Car and Transit
Click the Directions button on this website for directions to the Institute. There is free parking provided. If you are traveling by transit, consult BC Transit’s web site at http://www.translink.ca/ Plug in the address you are departing from, and the Institute’s address: 12277 Industrial Road, Surrey, BC. The website will recommend the best route.
What to bring
Wear work clothes, including proper safety boots. You will be handling all of the tools and materials you typically would 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 Institute 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 it 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 institute is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is tolerated outside the building. 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 Institute will also refer students to local Bed and Breakfast accommodations. Call the Institute at 604-580-3112 for details.
Financial Aid
The office has Canada Employment Insurance (EI) packages as well as information on government incentive grants and other information related to financial aid for apprentices.
Other questions?
Call the institute during normal business hours with any other questions and requests. We want to do everything we can to ensure that your time at the Finishing Trades Institute is productive and well spent.
