TRU students working on the 2025 Kamloops Y Dream Home. (Image Credit: CFJC Today/File photo)

By Rohini Arora, MLA for Burnaby East and Deputy Caucus Chair 

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SOUND OFF: The future of skilled trades in B.C.

Jan 28, 2026 | 11:40 AM

COMMUNITIES ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA are growing rapidly. And with that growth comes a clear need: more skilled tradespeople to help build and maintain the places we all rely on, like our homes, schools, hospitals and community infrastructure. 

As an MLA, I hear every day how important it is that we prepare people for these in-demand careers. That’s why our government is making historic investments in skilled trades training and ensuring British Columbians can access the education they need close to home. 

We’ve been focused on expanding training options so people can develop the skills required for rewarding careers in the trades. That includes cutting waitlists, modernizing equipment, and strengthening certification programs. These efforts are paying off. Across the province, we’re seeing record numbers of people registering as apprentices, earning certifications, and moving into higher-wage jobs that support families and strengthen local economies. 

Young people are being introduced to trade pathways earlier than ever, and adults looking to re-skill or return to school are finding affordable, accessible options that don’t require starting from scratch. Provincewide, we’re funding 28,000 trades training seats, including 21,800 apprentice seats. Today, nearly 50,000 British Columbians are registered apprentices, and more than 11,000 youth are already exploring trades careers. 

In Kamloops, Thompson Rivers University is helping meet the region’s growing demand for skilled trades by expanding access to hands-on training in areas like electrical, plumbing, welding, and industrial instrumentation. Local students can also benefit from the StrongerBC future skills grant, which provides up to $3,500 toward short-term, high-demand programs offered at TRU. These programs are designed in partnership with industry so that graduates can step directly into well-paid, stable careers that support the region’s construction, mining and natural resource sectors. With modern facilities and strong employer connections, Kamloops continues to be a hub for training the skilled workers who keep the Interior strong. 

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Having strong and secure careers also means strengthening the connection between industry and post-secondary institutions. By working closely with employers, we’re ensuring programs can adapt quickly to emerging needs, whether that’s construction, natural resources, advanced manufacturing or clean-energy technologies. These partnerships help students gain the skills employers are actively seeking, even as industries evolve. 

Carpenters, electricians, mechanics, equipment operators and other tradespeople play a vital role in building strong, resilient communities. With some trades offering wages of up to $53 an hour, these careers provide long-term stability and a pathway to lasting economic opportunity. 

Building a strong workforce means ensuring that anyone who wants to pursue skilled trades has the opportunity to do so. That’s why it’s equally important to ensure women across all industries have access to affordable, reliable childcare so they can fully benefit from the pathways we’re creating. When parents know their children are safe and supported, they’re better able to enter the workforce, stay in their careers, and build the secure futures these opportunities are meant to deliver. 

If you or someone you know is considering a career in the trades, now is an excellent time to explore the possibilities. Learn more about training options, apprenticeships, and career pathways at SkilledTradesBC.ca 

Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient British Columbia.