April is Construction and Skilled Trades Month in B.C. with the aim to raise awareness about the job opportunities for people in the building trades. Several events will take place this month for the 6th annual celebration.
“There are limitless opportunities in construction for talented British Columbians looking for a rewarding career path,” said Chris Atchison, president, B.C. Construction Association. “There are many trades to choose from, most of them are in demand, you get paid to train and learn, and with dedication and hard work there’s nothing stopping you from going right to the top, even owning your own company one day. It all starts with apprenticeship.”
Proclaiming April as Construction and Skilled Trades Month highlights the importance of people who work in construction and trades and help make, build and maintain local communities and the province. Construction and skilled trades jobs are in demand and government is investing in trades education and support for workers in the skilled trades.
“There’s a world of rewarding career opportunities for people in skilled trades right now,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “We’re investing in training programs through SkilledTradesBC to offer people the education and training they need to pursue these jobs, while helping industry and employers to access the skilled workforce they need. This supports our Future Ready plan, which is helping train British Columbians for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
SkilledTradesBC delivers pre-apprenticeship trades training programs, including for women, Indigenous Peoples and other equity-seeking groups, to reduce barriers and help people secure employment in the trades. The programs provide individualized and group services and supports, hands-on trades exploration training, and industry certification training. These programs help increase opportunities to enter an apprenticeship training program and earn certification to become a journeyperson.
The province continues to work with employers, industry, training providers and communities to design and implement programs and policies that contribute to eliminating racism, sexism, bullying and harassment in the skilled trades.
