Improving access to skilled trades training in rural, remote communities

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B.C. launches Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative to strengthen trades-training opportunities

Summary

  • SkilledTradesBC is launching the Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative, a project-based funding program that will invest $40 million over three years, beginning in 2026-27

  • Program will create more pathways into trades training for people throughout B.C., including those who live in rural and remote communities

  • This supports B.C.’s Look West strategic plan by funding projects that expand access to training for Indigenous Peoples, rural and remote communities and equity-deserving groups

  • Provides support for apprenticeship progression and completion, and addresses workforce demand in priority sectors and major project areas

  • Eligible organizations can submit project proposals beginning Monday, June 15, 2026

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Through SkilledTradesBC, the Province is launching the Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative, a project-based funding program to strengthen trades-training opportunities and grow British Columbia’s skilled workforce.

“We’re making sure everyone who wants to work in the trades has access to the training and skills they need to get there,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “This Workforce Readiness Initiative will help ensure training remains responsive to industry and employer needs, while improving access to training for British Columbians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.”

As part of the Province’s more than $240-million Look West skilled trades-training investment, the Workforce Readiness Initiative builds on SkilledTradesBC’s recent efforts to expand training capacity. This includes 5,000 new training seats in 2026-27 and increased ongoing per-seat funding for apprenticeship programs, helping reduce technical training wait lists and strengthen training delivery throughout the province.

The Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative will provide $40 million over three years to support projects that:

  • advance trades training in B.C.’s strategic economic sectors and major project areas

  • improve apprenticeship progression, retention and completion outcomes

  • strengthen capacity to deliver higher-quality, more accessible and expanded training opportunities, for Indigenous Peoples, rural and remote communities and equity-deserving groups

  • support apprentices in overcoming barriers to completing their training

  • enhance on-the-job training and apprenticeship pathways through partnerships between communities, training providers, unions and employers

The criteria are intended to ensure funded projects respond to labour-market needs. It will help address skills gaps and address specific employer and industry-training needs throughout the province.

The initiative will also improve access to training for Indigenous Peoples, equity-deserving and rural communities, as well as support apprenticeship progression and completion. This means more people, regardless of where they live in B.C., will be able to train closer to home and stay connected to their families and communities, while building rewarding careers in the trades.

“The Workforce Readiness Initiative builds on the investment already underway to expand trades training across B.C.,” said Shelley Gray, CEO, SkilledTradesBC. “This initiative is about creating more opportunities for people to get the training they need, complete their apprenticeships, and build meaningful, rewarding careers that support themselves, their families and their communities.”

The application period opened Monday, June 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15, 2026.

Eligible applicants include SkilledTradesBC-funded training providers, such as:

  • public post-secondary institutions

  • union-affiliated training schools

  • designated specialized training institutions and organizations delivering Indigenous skills and employment-training programs in B.C.

Aligned with the Look West economic strategy, this investment supports major project delivery, strengthens B.C.’s workforce and economic resilience, and helps keep good jobs and prosperity throughout the province.

Quotes:

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth –

“Through our Look West strategy, we’re creating more opportunities for people to build successful careers and brighter futures here in British Columbia. With $88 billion in major projects moving forward in communities throughout the province, there is growing demand for skilled workers across a wide range of industries. This initiative will help people gain the skills and experience they need to access good-paying jobs, support their families and build their futures in the communities they call home.”

Brynn Bourke, executive director, BC Building Trades –

“BC Building Trades union trades training schools are the largest sponsors of apprentices in British Columbia, training thousands of skilled tradespeople every year. The recent historic investment in trades training has enabled us to add more than 1,000 new training seats, expanding opportunities for the next generation of workers. This additional funding will provide the critical wraparound supports apprentices need to succeed, from entry into the trades to achieving their Red Seal certification.”

Learn More:

 

Read the Workforce Readiness Initiative News Release from the Government of B.C.