The Province of British Columbia’s newly announced $241-million investment into trades and apprenticeship training marks a historic opportunity to invest in training capacity, reducing waitlists, and equipping more learners with the in-demands skills needed to support BC’s growing trades sector. This support for skilled trades will also help accelerate BCIT’s efforts to train and build a resilient and diverse workforce for major sectors of the economy.
“As the largest provider of trades training in Western Canada, BCIT has prepared generations of skilled trades workers with job-readiness to build the homes, major projects, and infrastructure that sustain and grow our communities,” says Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, BCIT President. “This investment from the Province of British Columbia allows BCIT to deliver training to meet the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across BC and beyond – contributing to a stronger and more resilient Canada.”
BCIT currently supports over 9,000 trades and apprenticeship students. The high 97% employment rate from BCIT apprentice completers highlight the Institute’s success in preparing students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand trades careers across BC and beyond. Programs such as Ironworker, Boilermaker, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Electronics), Technology Teacher Education are among the only offerings of their kind in British Columbia.
Programs are hands-on and developed in close collaboration with industry to ensure students gain the skills employers need. Students learn in unique spaces that replicate real-world working environments and are taught by instructors with extensive experience, insights, and professional networks. Together, this ensures students are ready to hit the ground running from day one on the job.
Get the hands-on skills needed for an in-demand career in trades. Learn more about trades and apprenticeship programs available at BCIT.
Accessible pathways to support job-readiness
BCIT is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students thrive. This includes providing accessible pathways to learning, such as through the Trades Discovery for Women program where students explore up to 15 trades disciplines in 16 weeks. The program builds a strong skilled trades workforce while creating an accessible pathway for underrepresented groups and giving industry early access to a diverse talent pool.
Throughout students’ educational journey, they also have access to supports like the ConnectHER Hub which provides a welcoming and resourceful space for women and gender-diverse trades students.
Training for an in-demand trades career
With more than one million job openings expected in BC over the next decade (2024-2034), trades occupations are projected to be one of the top five occupational groups that account for nearly 80 percent of projected job openings. The demand for trades professionals is rising and BCIT, together with public institutions all across BC, is well-equipped to deliver training that supports in meeting the Province’s need for skilled trades workers.