Summary

• Vancouver Community College is adding 224 new trades training seats in 2026-27
• B.C. is adding a total of 5,000 trades training seats throughout every region in 2026-27
• Through the Province’s Look West strategy, government is investing $241 million over three years to train more people in B.C. for in-demand jobs, helping them move onto job sites sooner

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Vancouver Community College (VCC) will receive 224 new skilled-trades training seats as part of the Look West strategy to deliver 5,000 new trades training seats throughout the province in 2026-27.

This will bring the total number of trades training seats available at VCC to more than 1,770 this year.

“We’re increasing our skilled-trades training seats, so more people can get good jobs as part of the Look West economic plan,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour. “We continue to build on B.C.’s strengths, our people, by training up and growing our skilled workforce, and creating opportunities for people and businesses that will benefit families and communities throughout our province.”

Government is investing $241 million over three years to train British Columbians for in-demand jobs, helping more people take advantage of opportunities by getting trained and moving onto job sites quicker.

“Industry leaders and businesses have told us they need more skilled-trades workers to fill job openings across all major projects underway and on the horizon throughout B.C.,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “That’s why we are adding new skilled-trades training seats at VCC. We’re growing our pool of skilled tradespeople so they can find fulfilling, good-paying jobs, and so industry can have the workers they need to continue growing and strengthening B.C.’s economy.”

Benefits of adding more skilled-trades training spaces

The new trades training seats will:

• reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs
• introduce more young people to the trades
• increase training capacity in high-demand occupations, including automotive service technician, construction electrician, heavy mechanical trades, and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic

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

Major projects in construction, clean energy, mining, transportation and advanced technology are driving demand for skilled workers throughout British Columbia, including in the Lower Mainland.

Supporting economic growth in Vancouver, Lower Mainland

With expanded programming at Vancouver Community College, the region is well-positioned to advance B.C.’s priorities under the Look West economic strategy.

Quotes:

Sunita Dhir, MLA for Vancouver-Langara, and parliamentary secretary for international credentials —

“The need for more skilled tradespeople in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland continues to grow, and that means more great jobs for people. VCC is a key local training site for young people to get the skills they need so they can take advantage of these opportunities and build the future they want. We all benefit when talented young people find good-quality jobs and stay in B.C.”

George Chow, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview —

“I hear a lot from young people who want to land a great job with a future in the Vancouver region, so they can continue to live in the city they love. These new seats at VCC will help to make that possible by giving people the skilled-trades training they need to get onto a job site and build a good life here.”

Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington —

“Opening new skilled-trades training seats at VCC opens more pathways for people to rewarding careers. Investments like this help strengthen our economy, our region and our post-secondary institutions, and that helps families today and our future generations in Vancouver and throughout the province.”

Ajay Patel, president and CEO, Vancouver Community College —

“We are grateful to the Province of B.C. for its continued investment in skilled-trades education. Expanding training opportunities will help more learners build rewarding careers while addressing workforce needs across the province. This funding reinforces VCC’s commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful careers and strengthening the communities they will serve.”

Mie Kimura, student, completed Level 1 harmonized foundation program for automotive service technician at VCC —

“My training at VCC has shown me how valuable hands-on learning is in preparing for a career in the trades. This support will help more students develop in-demand skills and take the first step toward a rewarding future in the industry.”

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 apprentice: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/become-an-apprentice
• To learn more about skilled-trades training and opportunities, visit: strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/skilled-trades-training/
• To learn more about skilled trades training opportunities at Vancouver Community College, visit: vcc.ca