Summary

• A tuition-free carpentry training project will give as many as 16 people in the Kootenays industry-recognized skills, work experience and pathways to employment in skilled trades
• Through federal funding under the EI-funded Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the Province is investing more than $365,000 to help people prepare for careers in skilled trades
• The project supports B.C.’s Look West strategy by connecting people to training, employment opportunities in construction, other growing sectors

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With employment insurance funding provided by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, people in the Kootenays will have new opportunities to train for careers in the skilled trades through the Industry-Ready Carpentry Foundation project.

The program will be delivered by Kootenay Career Development Society in partnership with Selkirk College.

“We want people to have the support they need to find in-demand jobs and build stronger futures for themselves and their families,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “That’s why we’re funding more training to help people learn practical skills and get the industry-recognized credentials and work experience they need to move into good-paying jobs in the skilled trades.”

Through funding provided by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the Province is investing in the Industry-Ready Carpentry Foundation project to help as many as 16 people prepare for careers in the skilled trades and to support employers in the region meeting their workforce demands.

“Canadians want the opportunity to gain the skills they need to build meaningful careers and succeed in a changing economy,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “This program is helping people in the Kootenay region train for careers in the skilled trades, giving them the tools to build a good life while meeting the needs of local employers. By working together with local governments, industry and employers in the region, we are creating opportunities, strengthening local economies and building a stronger Canadian economy where no one gets left behind.”

Building pathways to skilled trades careers

The tuition-free project combines carpentry training through Selkirk College with industry-recognized certifications, including first aid, WHMIS, forklift and fall protection training. Students will also receive tools, financial supports for eligible people and a six-week paid work placement with a local employer.

“This program creates a direct pathway into the skilled trades by combining tuition-free training, industry certificates, paid work experience and employment support,” said Jenn Tynan, director of operations and strategic initiatives, Kootenay Career Development Society. “Tuition and training costs are fully covered, helping to remove financial barriers to entering the trades. By connecting participants to local opportunities while building in-demand skills, this initiative supports both job seekers and the workforce needs of communities and employers across the region.”

Training for in-demand jobs

Demand for skilled trades workers continues throughout British Columbia. According to WorkBC projections, carpenters are expected to see more than 10,000 job openings in B.C. between 2025 and 2035, creating significant opportunities for people looking to build careers in the industry.

“Selkirk College is committed to providing meaningful training opportunities for people in the region,” said Tracy Punchard, dean of industry and trades training, Selkirk College. “We’re excited to collaborate with community and industry partners on the Industry-Ready Carpentry Program and are grateful for support from the ministry. The value of this partnership is the additional training and support we can offer to learners seeking to transition into high-demand careers in the skilled trades.”

The Industry-Ready Carpentry Foundation project helps remove barriers that can prevent people from pursuing careers in the trades by covering costs such as tuition, training supports and tools while providing practical work experience with local employers.

“The West Kootenays is emerging as a leader in the mass-timber manufacturing and construction sector, creating new opportunities for skilled tradespeople,” said Breanna Newhouse, talent development specialist, Spearhead. “As employers in the region, we rely on investment in creating and maintaining credible training programs to develop the workforce needed for modern wood construction, advanced manufacturing and continued industry growth. Investing in local trades training helps ensure that regional talent can access rewarding careers while supporting innovation and economic development across our communities.”

The project supports the Province’s Look West strategy by strengthening B.C.’s workforce and helping people connect to good careers in the skilled trades.

Quotes:

Brenda Bailey, B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth –

“With more than $88 billion in proposed major projects underway across B.C., the demand for skilled workers has never been higher. This tuition-free project gives local people in the Kootenays a real shot at a career in carpentry. They’ll walk away with hands-on experience, recognized credentials and a clear path to good-paying work. That’s what our Look West economic plan is all about, helping local people build the skills they need so they can step into these jobs at home, while local employers get the workers they need to keep projects moving.”

Steve Morissette, B.C. parliamentary secretary for rural development –

“Rural communities depend on a strong local workforce, and projects like this help connect people to the skills and experience needed to succeed in the trades. By creating pathways to good jobs close to home and helping employers find skilled workers, this investment supports stronger communities and long-term economic growth throughout the Kootenays.”

Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central –

“The Kootenays need more skilled workers to support growing communities and local businesses. This training project will help people access rewarding careers close to home while giving employers a direct pathway to recruit job-ready workers with in-demand skills.”

Quick Facts:

• The carpentry training program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement and delivered through B.C.’s Project-Based Labour Market Training initiative.
• Labour Market Development Agreements are bilateral agreements between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories that support employment programs and services designed to help Canadians prepare for, find and maintain employment.
• The project began in July 2026 and is currently recruiting people, with training set to begin on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
• The project will run through May 2027.

Learn More:

• To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/look-west-strategy
• For more information about the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/projects/training-agreements/lmda.html
• Learn more about the Kootenay Career Development Society: https://kcds.ca/
• To learn more about becoming a Selkirk College student, visit: https://selkirk.ca/