BCCA is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Skilled Trades Employment Program,  known as STEP, which connects motivated candidates with construction employers across British Columbia.

The program aims to equip motivated candidates with the skills, knowledge, and  support they need to pursue careers in construction. Since its inception, the program has served almost 16,000 individuals, placed more than 13,500 people into trades jobs for over 5,000 employers across B.C., including approximately 2,800 who identified as Indigenous, 2,500 women, 2,050 new Canadians, and 9,500 youth.

The growth and leadership of program participants is a testament to the program’s success as the foundation of thousands of careers in the trades.

“For 20 years, STEP has been opening doors to careers in construction and helping thousands of British Columbians build a future in the skilled trades,” said Chris Atchison, president of the BC Construction Association. “We’re incredibly proud of what STEP has accomplished and the lasting impact it has had on people, employers, and communities throughout BC.”

STEP has been key in addressing skilled labour shortages in construction, helping employers find the people they need. The program helps employers in their hiring process, providing pre- and post-placement support, connecting them to job-ready skilled workers, and improving workforce retention by continuing to support employees post-placement.

“Construction employers need skilled, motivated people, and STEP helps make those connections happen,” said Atchison. “STEP provides ongoing supports to ensure workers succeed on the job, while ensuring employers have access to the strong workforce British Columbians depend on.”

Over the course of the next few months, BCCA will be highlighting some of the participants (STEP Stories 20-Year Special) who have pursued meaningful careers in the trades, and employers who have filled critical workforce needs through the program.