B.C. investing $241 million over three years to train high paying trades workers

Construction workers work on the new Pattullo Bridge being built as a replacement for the aging bridge that opened in 1937, in New Westminster, B.C., on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The British Columbia government says it’s investing $241 million over three years to train people for “high-paying” skilled trades jobs.

B.C. Premier David Eby says the funding will create 5,000 new trades training seats this year, helping reduce wait-lists for in-demand trades programs.

Eby says the demand for skilled trades workers is growing in B.C., with $88 billion in major projects coming to the province in the next 12 months, creating 100,000 job openings in skilled trades.

A statement from Eby’s office says the $241 million investment will expand skilled trades certification, starting with tower and mobile crane operators, and create thousands of new trades training seats in public secondary institutions and non-profit union training schools.

Shelley Gray, CEO with SkilledTradesBC, an organization that advances B.C.’s trades training system, says the goal is to ensure any apprentice has access to a training seat when and where they need it in B.C.

The province says funding is being made through its Look West Strategy, a plan designed to deliver major projects, create jobs and strengthen B.C.’s economic security.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May. 13, 2026.