Three Routes Start
Other route

Structured gap year

None, by design

24 of 30 verified for BC; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Trades go through SkilledTradesBC (4 levels, Youth Train in Trades lets you start Level 1 in high school). Numbers from WorkBC and Job Bank BC, BCIT, VCC and UBC.
Years to credential0
First real paycheque~a month
Time in a classroom0%
Total cost$0
Typical debt after$0
Demand in BCSteady

The first ten years

earnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn
Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$380k$37,960 rising to varies by year five, flat after
Program cost−$0ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)dependsthe number on the card
Low to highdependspay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the British Columbia median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isFull-time work, a trade pre-apprenticeship, travel with a budget, or volunteering, with a written plan and a return date.
What actually stops peopleDiscipline. Unstructured gap years turn into two, then three.
The downsideUniversities and colleges accept deferrals, but you must apply first. Earnings are minimum-wage-level. Year-five earnings depend entirely on what you do next.
If you're the parentReasonable if there is a plan and a deadline. Harmful if it is just avoidance. Ask for the plan in writing.
Local opportunities in British Columbia

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

Check my readiness

How to enter

What you need
  • No specific courses or average; Grade 12 (or equivalent) and a willingness to show up
Deadlines in BC
  • Depends on the program

Next steps in British Columbia

  1. 1
  2. 2

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In British ColumbiaBC minimum wage is indexed to CPI each June 1.
www2.gov.bc.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for BC Sources: BC minimum wage $18.25/hr from June 1, 2026 (Employment Standards)

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