As part of a $241 million investment, B.C. announced the first 5,000 new trades training seats will roll out in 2026 at public post-secondary institutions and non-profit union trainers.

This investment is part of the province’s “Look West” strategy announced in Budget 2026. The strategy is designed to support $88 billion in planned major projects over the next 12 months, which are expected to create 100,000 job openings in skilled trades.

The $241 million will double the annual funding to SkilledTradesBC from $107 million to $214 million by 2028-29.

Over the next three years, the investment aims to:

• reduce wait lists for high-demand trades by expanding program capacity
  increase per-seat funding across apprenticeship programs that lead to SkilledTradesBC credentials, helping trainers manage rising costs for equipment, curriculum and instruction
• establish the Look West: Workforce Readiness Initiative, a strategy designed to improve access to training in rural and remote communities, which responds directly to employer needs
• expand skilled trades certification, starting with tower and mobile crane operators

An estimated $88 billion in major projects is proposed over the next three years, including 17 projects added to the province’s priority major projects list. The projects are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in construction, clean energy, critical minerals, marine and transportation sectors.

“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, CEO, SkilledTradesBC.