Short intro
Looking for the best 3D printing courses in Vancouver for 2025? This guide lists top 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and 3D modelling classes, workshops and makerspaces in and near Vancouver so you can learn prototyping, printer operation, slicing, materials and production workflows. Below you’ll find a quick comparison table, detailed course summaries with price, duration, format and credential, plus tips to choose the right class and a short FAQ.
Contents
Comparison — Top 3D printing courses & training in Vancouver (quick view)
| Provider / Course | Price (2025): | Duration: | Level: | Format: | Location: | Credential: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCIT — 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing (APRE 3500) | $491.64 (domestic). (bcit.ca) | 26 weeks (self‑paced entry window to complete). (bcit.ca) | Beginner → Intermediate (applied course). (bcit.ca) | Online / continuous entry. (bcit.ca) | Burnaby / Online (BCIT). (bcit.ca) | Course credit / continuing‑ed record. (bcit.ca) |
| MakerLabs — 3D Printing 101 / 102 | $105–$150 (members vs non‑members; 101 ≈ $105/$135; 102 ≈ $120/$150). (makerlabs.com) | Typically 2–6 hours (workshop length varies). (makerlabs.com) | Beginner → Intermediate. (makerlabs.com) | In‑person workshops; orientations. (makerlabs.com) | MakerLabs, Vancouver (physical makerspace). (makerlabs.com) | Attendance certificate / access orientation. (makerlabs.com) |
| Vancouver Community College — 3D Modelling / 3D CAD (DRFT / CMPT courses) | Tuition varies by credit; course fees listed on registration pages. (vcc.ca) | 20–60 hours per course (credit course lengths shown). (vcc.ca) | Beginner → Academic (credit courses). (vcc.ca) | On‑campus credit courses (some parts may be scheduled). (vcc.ca) | VCC campuses, Vancouver. (vcc.ca) | College credit (transcripted course). (vcc.ca) |
| UBC Makerspace / Faculty workshops — 3D Printing 101 | Many free/low‑cost workshops and mandatory safety training; schedules vary. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca) | Short workshops / safety badges (hours vary). (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca) | Beginner → Research / academic users. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca) | In‑person makerspace training; some asynchronous material. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca) | UBC Vancouver (campus makerspaces). (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca) | Makerspace safety badge / access certification. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca) |
| Vancouver Hack Space (community makerspace) | Membership or event fees; community‑run (prices vary). (fablabs.io) | Ongoing — training sessions typically a few hours. (fablabs.io) | All levels (peer learning). (fablabs.io) | In‑person, member workshops / volunteer‑led training. (fablabs.io) | Vancouver (Venables St / listed addresses). (fablabs.io) | Member access / informal certification. (fablabs.io) |
Best 3D printing courses in Vancouver — detailed picks
BCIT — 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing (APRE 3500)
Overview: BCIT’s applied course covers 3D printing fundamentals, materials, slicing, and applications with an emphasis on applied outcomes and research projects. It’s offered as a continuing‑education/applied research course with flexible online entry. (bcit.ca)
Best for: Learners who want a structured, credit‑bearing continuing ed course from a tech institute. (bcit.ca)
Highlights: Instructor‑led materials, applied projects, and options in multiple terms. (bcit.ca)
Price (2025): $491.64 (domestic) listed for current offerings. (bcit.ca)
Duration: Self‑paced within a 26‑week completion window (continuous entry). (bcit.ca)
Level: Beginner → Intermediate. (bcit.ca)
Format: Online (distance learning) with applied deliverables. (bcit.ca)
Location: BCIT / Online (Burnaby area institute). (bcit.ca)
Credential: Course credit / continuing‑education record on BCIT transcript. (bcit.ca)
MakerLabs — 3D Printing 101 & 102 (hands‑on workshops)
Overview: MakerLabs delivers short, practical workshops that teach printer operation, slicing, and basic troubleshooting, plus related 3D modelling classes. These are orientation‑style classes needed to access makerspace tools. (makerlabs.com)
Best for: Makers, hobbyists and designers who want hands‑on time with commercial FDM and small‑format printers. (makerlabs.com)
Highlights: Low‑cost, short workshops; membership gives discounts and shop access. (makerlabs.com)
Price (2025): 3D Printing 101: ~$105 (members) / $135 (non‑members); 3D Printing 102: ~$120/$150 (see site). (makerlabs.com)
Duration: Typically a few hours (varies by workshop). (makerlabs.com)
Level: Beginner → Intermediate. (makerlabs.com)
Format: In‑person workshops + tool orientations. (makerlabs.com)
Location: MakerLabs (Vancouver makerspace). (makerlabs.com)
Credential: Attendance / orientation certificate and makerspace access; membership for extended use. (makerlabs.com)
Vancouver Community College (VCC) — 3D Modeling Fundamentals & Intro to 3D CAD
Overview: VCC runs credit courses in 3D modelling and 3D CAD that are part of drafting / digital design streams — useful for students who want formal college credits alongside learning modelling skills used for printing. (vcc.ca)
Best for: Students who prefer transcripted college credit and a deeper modelling curriculum. (vcc.ca)
Highlights: Semester‑style credit courses, well‑structured syllabi and instructor support. (vcc.ca)
Price (2025): Tuition varies by credit and student status — see VCC registration for exact fees. (vcc.ca)
Duration: Courses listed at 20–60 hours depending on the class (e.g., DRFT 1216 = 20 hrs; DRFT 1220 = 60 hrs). (vcc.ca)
Level: Beginner → Academic. (vcc.ca)
Format: On‑campus credit courses (scheduled class periods). (vcc.ca)
Location: VCC campuses in Vancouver. (vcc.ca)
Credential: College credit (transcripted course). (vcc.ca)
UBC Makerspaces (Makerspace training & 3D Printing 101)
Overview: UBC’s campus makerspaces provide safety training, 3D printing workshops and required badges to access printers. Offerings include short 3D Printing 101 sessions and online/asynchronous prep materials. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Best for: UBC students, faculty and makers who need campus‑level access, safety training and research‑grade equipment. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Highlights: Required safety badge, instructor support and project‑based learning; good for research/prototyping. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Price (2025): Many trainings are low cost or included for students; check the makerspace page for session fees. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Duration: Short workshops / safety modules (hours each). (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Level: Beginner → Advanced (depending on equipment and course). (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Format: In‑person training + asynchronous resources. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Location: UBC Vancouver campus makerspaces / ECE Makerspace. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Credential: Makerspace safety badge / access certification. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
Vancouver Hack Space — community, peer training & printer access
Overview: Vancouver Hack Space is a long‑running community makerspace where members share tools, attend training sessions and learn 3D printing via peer workshops and scheduled training. It’s volunteer‑run and community focused. (fablabs.io)
Best for: Cost‑conscious tinkerers who want a community environment and peer learning. (fablabs.io)
Highlights: Low cost membership, hands‑on learning, and a wide variety of tools beyond 3D printing. (fablabs.io)
Price (2025): Membership and training fees vary; check the Hack Space site for current dues and event costs. (fablabs.io)
Duration: Training sessions are typically a few hours. (talk.vanhack.ca)
Level: All levels (peer mentoring). (fablabs.io)
Format: In‑person, member workshops. (fablabs.io)
Location: Vancouver (Venables St / community location listed). (fablabs.io)
Credential: Membership access and informal training sign‑offs. (fablabs.io)
How to choose the right 3D printing course (quick checklist)
- Identify your goal: hobby prints, prototype for a startup, or career/credit. Formal credit courses (VCC, BCIT) are better for transcripts; workshops and makerspaces are better for hands‑on practice.
- Budget vs time: short workshops (MakerLabs, UBC badges) cost under a few hundred dollars and deliver practical skills quickly; institute courses cost more but offer deeper curriculum and credentials. (makerlabs.com)
- Equipment & materials: choose courses that teach the specific printer types and materials you’ll use (FDM, resin, or industrial‑grade AM). BCIT and university labs may expose you to more technologies. (bcit.ca)
- Access after training: if you need printer time after the course, prefer makerspaces with membership or campus labs that offer user access. (makerlabs.com)
- Credentials: if you want a transcript or résumé line, pick a college or institute course (BCIT, VCC). Workshops typically provide attendance certificates. (bcit.ca)
Best picks by profile
- Beginner / hobbyist: MakerLabs 3D Printing 101 (fast, hands‑on and low cost). (makerlabs.com)
- Student / credit-seeking: VCC 3D Modelling / 3D CAD courses for college credits. (vcc.ca)
- Professional / career upskill: BCIT’s 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing (applied course with continuing‑ed credit). (bcit.ca)
- Academic / research prototyping: UBC Makerspace safety + advanced equipment access and training. (makerspace.ok.ubc.ca)
- Community & collaborative learning: Vancouver Hack Space (peer learning, diverse tools). (fablabs.io)
FAQ (common search queries)
What is the best 3D printing course in Vancouver for beginners?
For hands‑on beginners, short workshops such as MakerLabs 3D Printing 101 or UBC Makerspace 3D Printing 101 are best — they teach printer operation, slicing and safety in a few hours. For a credentialed introduction consider BCIT’s applied course for a more structured program. (makerlabs.com)
How much does a 3D printing workshop cost in Vancouver?
Workshop prices vary: MakerLabs lists ≈ $105–$150 depending on membership status for beginner classes; institute courses (BCIT) can list a few hundred dollars per continuing‑ed course. Always check the provider’s page for current fees. (makerlabs.com)
Can I learn 3D printing for free in Vancouver?
Some public libraries and university groups offer free or low‑cost introductory resources and demos; however, hands‑on printer time is usually behind a certification or membership. Look for community events, library makerspace offerings and campus workshops for low‑cost options. (vpl.bibliocommons.com)
Do these courses teach 3D modelling too?
Yes — many beginner printing workshops cover basic model prep and slicing. For deeper modelling skills (Fusion 360, Blender, Rhino), look at VCC credit courses, MakerLabs 3D Modeling workshops, or specialized continuing‑ed classes. (vcc.ca)
Will a makerspace course let me use the printers afterwards?
Most makerspaces require a safety orientation or completion of a 101 training before granting unsupervised access. MakerLabs and UBC Makerspaces issue badges/orientations that enable member use. (makerlabs.com)
If you want, I can:
- Compare a specific set of courses (price, syllabus, next available dates), or
- Help you choose which course fits your exact learning goals and schedule (hours per week, budget, outcome).
