All eight of our high schools offer Programs of Choice that allow students to explore their interests, support their strengths, or get exposed to a career while fulfilling their academic requirements. There are dozens of options, with many put on in partnership with higher education institutions or industry.
Most Secondary Programs of Choice require application in February for priority placement for the following school year.
Note that students who would like to attend a program at a school other than their home school may need to apply for a Cross-District Transfer.
Contact a Career Education Advisor or Counsellor at your school to learn more about the Programs of Choice below.
Learn More About Student Planning for Next Fall
See the printable brochure of the programs below.
All Secondary Programs of Choice Options Are Listed Below
EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT
Advanced Placement Courses
Attend any secondary school
AP courses offered to Grade 10-12 students provide motivated learners with the opportunity to take university-level academic courses and potentially earn university credit. Learn more.
AP Capstone
Attend Burnaby North or Burnaby South
The AP Capstone program provides students in Grades 11 & 12 with skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting, which are critical for post-secondary success. Learn more.
French Immersion
Attend Alpha, Cariboo Hill or Moscrop
Graduates receive a bilingual designation on their high school diploma. Learn more.
Business Summit
Attend Alpha, Cariboo Hill, Burnaby Mountain or Burnaby South
In partnership with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) School of Business, students in Grades 9-12 explore the world of business, while fulfilling graduation requirements. Talk to the Career Advisor at your school for more information.
Engineering Summit
Attend Cariboo Hill
Students in Grades 10-12 explore the world of engineering while fulfilling graduation requirements. Learn more.
Independent Directed Studies
Attend any secondary school
Students in Grades 10, 11 or 12 can pursue a specific interest in greater depth and receive credit towards graduation. Learn more.
ONLINE LEARNING
Burnaby Online
Attend any secondary school or exclusively online
Students engage in flexible learning opportunities at their own pace choosing core and elective courses at all grade levels. Learn more.
ARTS & ATHLETICS
Athletics or Visual & Performing Arts
Attend any secondary school
Artistic performers and athletes are given the ability to balance their practice and performance schedules with academics. Talk to the Career Advisor at your school for more information.
SPORTS
Hockey Academy at Burnaby North
Attend any secondary school
High-performance hockey training for students in Grades 8-12 with academic requirements met at their home school. Learn more.
Hockey Academy at Burnaby Winter Club
Attend Burnaby Central
Elite-level hockey training in partnership with the Burnaby Winter Club for students in Grades 8-12 with academic requirements met at the school. Acceptance is contingent on qualifying for the hockey academy team. Learn more.
SFU Basketball Clinic
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with Simon Fraser University, this year-long program offers high-performance basketball training held at SFU. This is an option for any student in Grades 8-12 with academic requirements met at their home school. Learn more.
SFU Soccer Clinic
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with Simon Fraser University, this year-long program offers high-performance soccer training held at SFU. This is an option for any student in Grades 8-12 with academic requirements met at their home school. Learn more.
Whitecaps Soccer Academy
Attend Burnaby Central
Elite soccer training in partnership with the Vancouver Whitecaps for girls in Grades 9-12 with academic requirements met at the school. Acceptance is contingent on qualifying for the Whitecaps Girls Elite REX Academy. Learn more.
Volleyball Academy
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with Volleyball Canada, this individualized program focuses on an overall skill set, positional training, strength and conditioning at Cariboo Hill Secondary. This is an option for any student in Grades 8-12 with academic requirements met at their home school. Learn more.
CAREER TRAINING
Youth Explore Skilled Trades
Various secondary schools
Students in Grade 10 explore various industry sectors through hands-on projects. Areas of study include mechanics, robotics, electronics, electrical, carpentry, metal fabrication, plumbing, CNC machining, 3D printing, cooking, baking, tourism, and textiles. Talk to the Career Advisor at your school for more information.
Youth Work in Trades & Apprenticeship
All secondary schools
Students in Grades 10-12 have the opportunity for on-the-job training as a Youth Apprentice in any of the 100+ designated trades in BC. Take a pay cheque home and earn up to 16 credits toward your high school diploma and a $1000 award. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Apprenticeship training may be done during school time, school holiday breaks, and/or weekends. Talk to the Career Advisor at your school for more information.
CAREER TRAINING – Industry Connect Options
The following programs include career-specific portfolio building, and industry work experience.
Film & Broadcast
Attend any secondary school
Grade 11 & 12 students gain experience and connect with industry employers, all while receiving comprehensive training and developing a portfolio that supports post-secondary application or employment. Travel to Burnaby North Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Graphics & Media Arts
Attend any secondary school
Grade 11 & 12 students learn industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premier Pro, and Animate. Travel to Byrne Creek Community School is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Health Sciences
Attend any secondary school
Grade 11 & 12 students are supported in their transition to post-secondary education in the field of health care through guest speakers and program specific labs. Travel to Moscrop Secondary is required. Learn more.
Music Production & Technology
Attend any secondary school
Aspiring musicians, singers, and producers in Grades 11 & 12 compose, perform and produce professional quality recordings. Travel to Burnaby North Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Robotics (Mechatronics)
Attend any secondary school
This project-based technology program is open to students in Grades 10-12 who aspire to become programmers, designers, or engineers. Travel to Alpha Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Theatre Production & Design
Attend any secondary school
Grade 11 &12 students interested in set design, lighting design, stage management, costume design and sound design can gain industry experience in this program. Students will learn applications: VectorWorks, SketchUp, Qlab, Audacity and Adobe Photoshop, giving them comprehensive knowledge to work in the film and theatre industry. Travel to Burnaby Mountain Secondary is required. Academic Requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
CAREER TRAINING – Industry Certification Options
The following programs earn industry-standard certifications and most include industry work experience.
Cisco Networking Academy
Attend any secondary school
Students in Grades 11 & 12 work towards industry certification while learning about computer hardware and software. Travel to Burnaby South Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
DigiPen Game Development Academy
Attend Cariboo Hill
In partnership with the Digipen Institute of Technology, students in Grades 8-12 gain valuable hands-on experience in game design and production. Students can take this program for sequential years. Note, this program does not include work experience. Learn more.
Early Childhood Education Assistant
Attend any secondary school
In this dual credit program, Grade 11 & 12 students gain hands-on experience in licensed child care settings. Credits earned can be applied to an Early Childhood Education Certificate or Diploma with Burnaby Community & Continuing Education, the District’s adult education program. The ECE Assistant credential earned at high school allows students to work in licensed daycares and out-of-school care programs. This program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in related fields, such as Early Childhood Education, Education Assistance, Elementary Teaching, Child and Youth Care, or Social Service Work. Travel to Burnaby North Secondary is required. Academic coursework is completed at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Kinesiology & Fitness Instructor
Attend any secondary school
Training for Grade 11 & 12 students interested in careers in kinesiology, physiotherapy, sports medicine, or becoming a personal fitness coach. Options are available to take certifications through Canadian Fitness Education Services (CFES) and/or easy transition to Douglas College diploma or degree programs. Travel to Burnaby South Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Palo Alto Cyber Security Academy
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with Palo Alto Networks, a leading cybersecurity company, Grade 10-12 students receive globally recognized industry certification. Travel to Cariboo Hill Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Note, this program does not include work experience. Learn more.
CAREER TRAINING – Youth Train in Trade Options
The following programs offer students in Grade 11 or 12 the ability to complete Level 1 trades training and prepare them for direct entry into the workplace.
Auto Collision & Refinishing Technician
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with Vancouver Community College (VCC), students earn Level 1 Post-Secondary Technical Certification. The work involves motor vehicle body repair (interior and exterior), ranging from scratches to major structural damage and auxiliary system repair and replacement. Students attend the program at VCC and their home school to meet academic requirements. This program starts in October or February and runs for 10 months (Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday). Learn more.
Auto Service Technician
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with VCC, students achieve SkilledTradesBC accredited Level1 technical training. An Auto Service Technician diagnoses repairs, adjusts, and replaces mechanical or electrical parts and systems on cars and light trucks. Travel to Cariboo Hill Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Baker (Pastry Arts)
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with VCC, students achieve SkilledTradesBC accredited Level1 technical training. Bakers prepare and produce baked goods. The majority of work takes place in specialty bakeries, restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets. Students attend the program at VCC and their home school to meet academic requirements. This program starts in July and runs for 6 months (Monday to Thursday). Learn more.
Carpenter
Attend any secondary school
Students achieve SkilledTradesBC accredited Level 1 technical training. Carpenters build and repair a vast array of structures made of wood, wood-substitutes and erect forms for pouring concrete. Carpenters also use plans and instruments to prepare for excavating and shoring. Construction companies, contractors and maintenance departments are the main employers while others are self-employed. Travel to Cariboo Hill Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Construction Electrician
Attend any secondary school
This foundation program is in partnership with Camosun College. Construction Electricians plan, design, assemble and install electrical systems that provide heat, light, power, alarm, security, communication, and control in residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, transportation, marine, and entertainment environments. Travel to Burnaby Mountain Secondary (semester) or Byrne Creek Community School (linear) is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Hairstylist
Attend any secondary school
This is a SkilledTradesBC accredited Level 1 foundation program with 300 hours of practicum. Hairstylists shampoo, design, cut, colour, style, and chemically treat hair. They also provide other services such as scalp treatments and hairpiece services. This one-year program starts in February. Travel to Alpha Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Attend any secondary school
HDE Technicians maintain, manufacture, overhaul, recondition and repair equipment powered by internal combustion engines or electricity including graders, loaders, shovels, off-highway tractors, off-highway trucks, forklifts, wheeled and tracked vehicles of all types. This program is in partnership with VCC and runs for 9 months (Monday to Thursday), starting in September. Talk to the Career Advisor at your school for more information.
Landscape Horticulturist
Attend any secondary school
This is a SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship program run through Burnaby Community & Continuing Education. Landscape Horticulturists identify, propagate, cultivate, grow and maintain plants, managing injured and diseased trees and plants. They create and modify landscapes by measuring, designing, and interpreting plans. They construct and maintain gardens, parks, golf courses and other landscape environments. This program runs January through February. Talk to the Career Advisor at your school for more information.
Metal Fabricator
Attend any secondary school
Metal Fabricators deal with the selection, layout, shearing, cutting, drilling, and welding of metal plates and structural steel shapes into products. Projects involve the construction of bridges, buildings, hoppers, conveyors, cranes, heavy mining equipment, logging equipment, ship parts and equipment, and aviation parts and equipment. This program is put on in partnership with BCIT, starts full time in February and runs for 6 months. Learn more.
Motorcycle Mechanic
Attend any secondary school
Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technicians diagnose, repair, adjust and replace engines, drive trains, suspension, and electrical systems on small to medium-sized power products. This program is put on in partnership with BCIT, starts full time in February and runs for 5 months. Contact a Career Advisor at your school for more information. Talk to the Career Advisor at your school for more information.
Painter & Decorator
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with the Finishing Trades Institute in Surrey, this 6-week Level 1 Technical Training Program runs from mid-June through July. Painter/Decorators prepare and apply paint, install all wall coverings on buildings or structure surfaces, and sand/hydro blast concrete or wood cleaning for decorative or preparatory purposes. Learn more.
Plumber
Attend any secondary school
In partnership with the Piping Industry College on Annacis Island, students take the Plumber Apprenticeship Technical Training Level 1 Certification for 8 weeks, starting in mid-June. Apprentices may move forward to pipefitting, steamfitting, gasfitting, or sprinkler installation or continue apprenticeship in plumbing. Learn more.
Professional Cook
Attend any secondary school
Students earn a SkilledTradesBC accredited Level 1 Certificate of Qualification while developing an understanding of the major professional techniques and principles used in cooking, baking, and food preparation. Travel to Burnaby Central Secondary is required. Academic requirements are met at the student’s home school. Learn more.
Welder
Attend any secondary school
This foundation program is in partnership with the Piping Industry College on Annacis Island. Students learn how to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions on both plate and/or pipe using various welding processes. This 7-month full time program starts at various times during the year. Learn more.
Updated December 2025