The B.C. government is investing $241 million over three years to expand skilled trades training across the province, including the Kootenay region.
“Growing B.C.’s economy means making sure British Columbians are first in line for the opportunities created by the billions in investment arriving in our province. We are expanding training capacity where it’s needed most and helping people get into rewarding trades careers faster, while also building up B.C.’s economy.” said Premier David Eby.
The funding will provide up to 5,000 new seats in trades training, reduce wait-lists for in-demand trades programs, increase per-seat funding for apprenticeship programs and improve connections between training and employers across B.C.
The investment will also expand skilled trades certification and establish the Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative.
In the Kootenays, nearly $1 million in new funding will support trades-training programs and help build workforce capacity.
“British Columbians are ready to build the homes, hospitals, clean energy and major projects that will strengthen the economy. The jobs are here and the talent is here, and we’re making sure that people in B.C. are first in line to secure these good-paying, family supporting jobs.” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
The Kootenay region will receive 162 new training seats focused on industries such as critical minerals, construction, transportation, clean electricity, forestry and rural workforce development.
Brynn Bourke, executive director of B.C. Building Trades, said the funding is a transformational investment in trades training in British Columbia.
“As the largest sponsor of apprentices in British Columbia and representing over a dozen different union training schools, the BC Building Trades knows firsthand how important this money is for the system. These investments will help expand opportunities for apprentices, strengthen training capacity and ensure the next generation of skilled tradespeople can meet the growing demands of our province’s economy and infrastructure projects,” Bourke said.
The province said there are more than 1,300 apprentices in the Kootenay region, with 474 employers actively sponsoring apprentices.
“This investment further strengthens B.C.’s trades-training system by expanding access to apprenticeship and supporting training providers to deliver high-quality trades programs across the province. SkilledTradesBC remains committed to working with industry and training partners to connect more British Columbians with in-demand careers and support the province’s long-term workforce needs,” said Shelley Gray, chief executive officer of SkilledTradesBC.
