KWANTLEN Polytechnic University (KPU) will receive 462 new skilled-trades training seats this year, ensuring people in British Columbia are first in line for in-demand careers as the province secures more major projects.
This will bring the total number of trades-training seats available at KPU to 1,762 this year.
“By adding hundreds of new trades-training seats here in Surrey, we’re making sure British Columbians are trained for the jobs of the future, that will allow them to support their families and their dreams,” said Premier David Eby on Tuesday. “Skilled-trades training opens the door to rewarding careers and bigger paycheques, delivering the homes, infrastructure and major projects our province needs. That’s how we build an economy that works better for people, creating more opportunities for British Columbians to get ahead.”
The initiative is part of the Province’s Look West strategy and commitment to create 5,000 new skilled-trades training seats in 2026-27. The new seats at KPU will help reduce wait lists, expand apprenticeship training opportunities and ensure British Columbians are first in line for the opportunities being created throughout the province.
New training spaces will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs, introduce more young people to trades and support training in a range of occupations that are essential to building homes, maintaining infrastructure and supporting industrial development, including but not limited to:
* construction electricians
* industrial mechanics (millwrights)
* plumbers
* construction craft workers
* parts technicians
As one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions, the Lower Mainland continues to see strong demand for skilled workers. Expanding training capacity at KPU will help more people access education sooner while supporting employers’ needs for a highly skilled workforce.
“Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and the demand for skilled workers is growing with it,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “These new seats at KPU will help more people access trades training closer to home and prepare for rewarding careers in the trades building projects across our province, including local infrastructure like hospitals, schools and the Surrey-Langley Skytrain. By investing in Surrey’s workforce today, we’re helping build our local workforce and meet the region’s needs for years to come.”
“We are grateful to the Province for its commitment to investing in the skilled trades,” said Diane Purvey, president and vice-chancellor pro tem at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. “This funding creates certainty in a period of economic uncertainty, enabling KPU to be responsive to future growth potential and labour-market demands while training the tradespeople needed to support future provincial and national growth.”
Through the Look West strategy, government is investing $241 million over three years to strengthen trades training across the province. The additional seats made available at KPU come from this fund.
Gary Begg, parliamentary secretary for Surrey infrastructure, MLA for Surrey-Guildford, said: “With 462 new skilled trades seats coming to KPU, Surrey residents will have more opportunities to train for the in-demand jobs that keep our region moving. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, expanding trades training helps ensure British Columbians are first in line for the good-paying careers that build the homes and infrastructure our province relies on.”
Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey-City Centre, said: “Surrey’s growth demands a strong, skilled workforce, and these new trades training seats at KPU will help people get the training they need, closer to home. By investing in trades programs and reducing wait lists, we’re creating more pathways to rewarding careers and building an economy that works better for people.”
Brandon Payne, first-year apprentice in construction electrical trades, KPU, said: “There is tremendous demand in the industry for skilled tradespeople, as AI and automation continue to transform the workforce. There are plenty of opportunities for new apprentices, and employers are actively seeking talent. Having the opportunity to begin that journey at KPU is a privilege, and this funding for trades training helps students like me advance to the next level.”
