Matthew Gall is on the job at VMAC in Nanaimo ahead of a provincial announcement on Monday, May 15. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CAREER PLANNING

New provincial funds directing youth into B.C. manufacturing jobs

May 15, 2023 | 11:54 AM

NANAIMO — Students in post-secondary across B.C. will soon have additional support should they choose to enter a career in the manufacturing sector.

The provincial government announced $3 million in new funding for the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), for a project focused on short-term, paid work placements for up to 500 B.C. youth aged 16 to 21.

Brenda Bailey, minister for jobs, economic development and innovation, announced the funding Monday, May 15 at VMAC in Nanaimo, saying there is a growing demand for a new generation in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing is a growing part of our economy with 49,000 new job openings coming to the sector over the next 10 years. Now is the time to introduce young people to the sector so they’re ready to fill those jobs.”

Funding will begin this fall.

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Removing bathroom doors at Barriere Secondary increases safety concerns

Apr 02, 2026

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: April 2, 2026

Apr 02, 2026

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Kamloops deserves the full story

Apr 01, 2026

Credits towards secondary school graduation or apprenticeship certification will also be available for students needing them.

Employers taking part in the program will receive upwards of $3,500 per placement to help pay for onboarding and wage costs related to the on-the-job training.

JP Giroux, president of EMC, said the industry continuously evolves and a wide skill set is required.

“There are many career paths within the manufacturing sector in addition to traditional production-related roles. The experiences shared by this project will help youth rise to develop expected skills, attitudes and habits needed to be successful in the workforce.”

Like many industries, a shortage of workers is present in the sector leading to domino effects including production and shipping delays.

Tod Gilbert, president of VMAC Global Technology Inc. said programs to encourage youth into the industry help grow B.C. companies.

“It not only supports growing B.C. businesses like ours but also provides an opportunity for young people around the province to learn about meaningful and sustainable employment in the manufacturing sector.”

The average pay for a job in the sector is $34.26 per hour, which is over 10 per cent higher than the national average.

According to the province, some companies are offering in excess of $50 per hour for jobs in aerospace, medical products, shipbuilding and other area.