BRITISH Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) will add 272 new skilled-trades training seats as part of the Look West strategy to deliver 5,000 new trades-training seats in 2026-27.
In addition, nearly 900 seats have been added at BCIT in response to demand.
The new training at BCIT is part of a regional expansion that is adding more than 2,000 new trades-training seats in the Lower Mainland in 2026, with more to come.
“Throughout British Columbia, more people are gaining access to the opportunities that come with a career in the skilled trades,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, on Thursday. “The additional seats at British Columbia Institute of Technology will help prepare the next generation of skilled workers who will contribute to our communities and support key sectors throughout the province. Through Look West, we’re helping people access the education and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and build a stronger future for themselves and their families.”
Government is investing $241 million over three years to train people in B.C. for in-demand jobs, helping more people enter training and move onto job sites quicker.
More training opportunities will help people find jobs in the skilled trades while supporting economic growth in the region and throughout the province.
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 but not limited to automotive service technician, carpentry, heavy mechanical trades, industrial mechanic (millwright), marine mechanical technician, plumber and sheet metal worker.
Major projects and the construction, marine and transportation sectors are driving demand for skilled workers throughout British Columbia, including in the Lower Mainland.
By expanding training seats in the Burnaby region, more people will have the opportunity to train for good-paying jobs.
“B.C.’s transition to a clean-energy future relies heavily on building a highly skilled workforce,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “The expansion of trades-training seats at BCIT will help ensure that more people can secure good-paying jobs, driving regional economic growth in communities across the entire province.”
Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Centre, said: “This is fantastic news for Burnaby and for the thousands of people across our community who are building their careers in the skilled trades. Adding 272 new trades-training seats means more people will have the opportunity to get the skills they need to succeed and build a good life here in B.C. We know how important skilled trades are to Burnaby’s economy and to our province’s future, and this expansion reflects that.”
Jeff Zabudsky, president, BCIT, said: “As the largest trades-training provider in Western Canada, BCIT has a critical role in preparing students for job-readiness in high-demand careers across B.C. This investment from the Province of British Columbia allows BCIT to deliver hands-on trades training to more students, while supporting industry with increased access to skilled talent.”
Shelley Gray, CEO, SkilledTradesBC, said: “Behind every apprenticeship is a person who is investing in their future. Whether they are starting out, changing careers or pursuing a lifelong interest in the trades, access to training is what turns potential into opportunity. These additional seats at BCIT will help more British Columbians begin their apprenticeship journey and discover rewarding careers where they can learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution.”
