What Kinds of Programs and Credentials Can You Explore on Selkirk College's Website?

Updated

Selkirk College's website (selkirk.ca) lets you explore more than 80 full-time programs across associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeship programs, plus part-time Community Education and workplace training options. Use the "Explore All Programs" entry point if you already know your field of interest, or start from an info session if you want to compare programs before applying. The site also publishes upcoming virtual info sessions for specific programs, which is the fastest way to get current answers about admission and program fit.

The Main Credential Types

The college groups its offerings under four full-time credential categories. The table below summarizes how they differ so you can decide which one matches your goal.

Credential type Typical purpose Best if you want to…
Associate degree A two-year university-transfer style credential Start a degree and potentially continue at a university
Diploma Career-focused training, generally longer than a certificate Enter a field with substantial hands-on preparation
Certificate Shorter, targeted skill training Gain a specific skill set or credential quickly
Apprenticeship Trades training tied to employment Combine paid work with technical trades instruction

The site does not publish exact program lengths or admission requirements on the homepage, so confirm those details on each program's own page before you plan.

How to Browse Programs by Interest

The homepage offers a direct "Explore All Programs" link. From there, the practical approach is:

  1. Decide your starting point — a field of interest (for example, health, trades, digital arts) or a credential level from the table above.
  2. Open the program page for each candidate and check the credential type, delivery format, and campus location.
  3. Note the campus — the site references Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail, and program locations vary.
  4. Check for an info session before committing. The site lists free virtual sessions for programs including Contemporary Music and Technology, Plant Operator, Hospitality and Tourism, Digital Fabrication and Design, Health Care Assistant, Practical Nursing, Nursing Unit Clerk, and Digital Arts.

Expected result: a shortlist of programs with confirmed credential type, campus, and a session date to ask questions.

Part-Time, Community, and Workplace Learning

If you are not looking for a full-time credential, the site points to two other routes:

  • Community Education and Workplace Training — non-full-time courses, including a registration and course-payment path ("Pay for Your Course"). This suits learners who want a single course or employer-sponsored training rather than a full program.
  • Info sessions — free and virtual, and open to prospective students comparing options.

The site does not state whether these part-time courses carry academic credit, so verify that on the specific course page if credit matters to you.

What the Site Tells You About Scale and Quality

Two figures on the homepage help set expectations: more than 2,200 full-time students, and survey results showing 93% of students satisfied with their education and 96% reporting high quality of instruction. Treat these as the college's own reported figures rather than independent rankings.

Common Sticking Points

  • Confusing certificates with diplomas. They are listed as separate categories; check the credential name on the program page rather than assuming length from the title.
  • Missing the campus. Programs are spread across multiple locations, and the homepage lists events in Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail.
  • Assuming costs or access. The site links to a course-payment page but does not publish tuition figures on the homepage; confirm fees on the program or registration page.
  • Skipping info sessions. These are free and program-specific, and they are the most reliable way to get current answers before applying.

Quick Decision Guide

  • Want a degree pathway with transfer potential → look at associate degrees.
  • Want career training with substantial depth → compare diplomas.
  • Want a faster, targeted credential → look at certificates.
  • Want trades training tied to a job → explore apprenticeships.
  • Want one course or employer training → go to Community Education and Workplace Training.

Start at "Explore All Programs" on selkirk.ca, shortlist two or three options, then register for the relevant info session to confirm fit before applying.