BCIT has received $250,000 in funding from the B.C. government to develop additional programming, building on the success of the new construction of mass timber structures associate certificate.
The new program is helping experienced carpenters, ironworkers and builders gain the in-demand skills needed to succeed in the growing field of mass timber innovation. Investing in mass timber education supports B.C.’s workers through expanding the mass timber sector.
“We are investing in new post-secondary training for students to become leaders in mass timber construction, which will help people succeed and be future ready in a sector that is setting the example of how to build a better British Columbia for all,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang.
The construction of mass timber structures associate certificate is a part-time, blended six-month program. It is delivered online, with a two-week practicum at the BCIT Burnaby campus, where students gain hands-on installation experience with mass timber structures. A cohort of 12 to 24 students will start in January 2023.
“We’re looking to the future to guide us and our workforce,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “That’s why we’re focusing our efforts on growing, retaining and developing homegrown talent through our students right here in B.C. to meet the growing demand for well-paying jobs in a rewarding and innovative field like mass timber installation.”
The province says the mass timber sector will support more than 4,000 jobs in manufacturing, technology, forestry, design and engineering while also promoting new technologies and approaches to further support existing jobs, with a projected worth of $403 million by 2035.
“As the largest provider of trades training in Western Canada, it’s critical that BCIT is delivering relevant, hands-on training to help learners master in-demand skills, while contributing toward an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact,” said Wayne Hand, dean, BCIT’s school of construction and the environment. “This investment from the Province of British Columbia allows more trades professionals in upskilling to advance mass timber innovation, clean-energy solutions, as well as the economic prosperity of B.C.”
