Summary

• Vancouver Island University adding 64 new trades training seats in 2026-27
• B.C. is adding 5,000 trades training seats in every region in 2026-27
• Through the Province’s Look West strategy, government is investing $241 million over three years to train British Columbians for in-demand jobs, helping more people enter training and move onto job sites sooner

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Vancouver Island University (VIU) will receive 64 new skilled-trades training seats as part of the Look West strategy commitment to deliver 5,000 new trades training seats in 2026-27.

This will bring the total number of trades training seats available at Vancouver Island University to 1,550 this year.

Government is investing $241 million over three years to train British Columbians for in-demand jobs, helping more people enter training and move onto job sites quicker.

More training opportunities will help people find good jobs in the skilled trades, while supporting economic growth in the region and throughout the province.

“On Vancouver Island, more people are walking into a meaningful career in the trades that pays well and keeps them close to home," said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Every seat we add at VIU helps train a skilled tradesperson who will provide the in-demand skills and services our communities and industries need to move the economy forward. That's the promise behind Look West: to give people the training to find a good, family-supporting job, and give industry the workers to keep building B.C. forward.”

Adding more skilled trades training spaces, reducing wait lists

The new seats will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs, introduce more young people to the trades and increase training capacity in high-demand occupations, including carpentry and recreational vehicle service technician.

Aligning B.C.’s workforce, skills training and industry demands

Major projects in the construction and transportation sectors are driving demand for skilled workers throughout British Columbia, including on Vancouver Island.

“People in Nanaimo shouldn’t have to leave home to build a good future,” said George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville. “More trades seats at VIU mean more young people can get the skills they need and find good-paying jobs right here in our community. That’s the real opportunity: the chance to build a career and life close to home.”

Supporting economic growth on Vancouver Island

With expanded programming at Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo is well positioned to support B.C.’s priorities under the Look West strategy. 

Quotes:

Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola –

“I hear from families across the Nanaimo area who want their kids to be able to build a future here. These 64 new seats at VIU help make that possible. Every apprentice who trains at home is one more skilled worker ready for the projects driving our economy, and one more reason to stay and build a life here.”

Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid-Island-Pacific Rim –

“Strong communities depend on a skilled workforce. Expanding trades training at Vancouver Island University will help more people build rewarding careers and support the services and infrastructure that people rely on everyday. Investments like these help strengthen our economy and create opportunities for future generations of people in B.C.”

Dennis Johnson, interim president and vice-chancellor, Vancouver Island University –

“We’re grateful for the Province’s investment in skilled-trades education. These additional seats will help more people on Vancouver Island build rewarding careers in the skilled trades without needing to leave the region. By expanding access to high-demand programs, we’re helping develop the workforce our communities and employers need while creating more opportunities for people to build meaningful careers close to home.“

McKenzie Morgan, carpentry foundation student –

“Carpentry is a good fusion of working with your body and your mind – you’re constantly problem solving as you work. There’s creativity in it, but it’s a practical career as well and fulfilling. At the end of the day, you can step back and visually see your progress. When I finish the program, I start working full-time for a local contractor right away. Not only does this industry offer good-paying jobs, it’s also got lots of opportunities for growth and areas to specialize.”

Learn More:

• To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
• Read about the Look West skilled-trades investment: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PSFS0052-001123
• Learn about how to become an apprenticeship: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/become-an-apprentice
• To learn more about skilled-trades training and opportunities, visit: strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/skilled-trades-training/