UP to 36 eligible people in Surrey will receive construction trades training for Red Seal certification as electricians, carpenters and plumbers, thanks to more than $500,000 in provincial government funding.

ACE Trades and Technical Institute, in partnership with Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) in Surrey, will provide three training sessions, each lasting 15 weeks.

“I am excited to see our government supporting this partnership between ACE and PICS,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “It is exactly this kind of initiative that will help to meet the provincewide demand for workers in the certified construction trades. In addition to supporting local workers, this project also provides critical opportunities to recent immigrants and foreign-trained tradespeople, assisting them on the path to a rewarding, long-term career.”

The Construction Trades Training for Red Seal Certification Project-Based Labour Market Training (PBLMT) project is recruiting for the following dates at the ACE Trades and Technical Institute:

* April 20 (electrical)

* July 27 (carpentry)

* November 2 (plumbing)

“Providing new skills to workers is a much-needed solution for addressing the worker shortage in B.C.,” said Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers. “I’m proud to be part of a government that is working with industry to develop new career path opportunities for British Columbians that will allow them to support themselves and provide for their families.”

There are spaces for up to 12 participants in each of the three intakes. Anyone interested in applying or attending an information session can contact their local WorkBC centre, ACE Trades and Technical Institute in Surrey or PICS.

“The construction industry makes a strong contribution to B.C.’s economic growth,” said Supneet Chawla, Founder and CEO, ACE Trades and Technical Institute. “Having trained and qualified trades persons is an asset to any contractor. Growth and major projects, combined with baby boomer retirement means more than a million jobs will open up in B.C. by the end of 2020. Many will be in engineering and construction trades.”

Participants will each receive 10 weeks of classroom instruction, four weeks of on-the-job work experience with construction-sector employers, and one week of follow-up support and mentoring to help them find jobs in the construction industry.

Applicants must have prior trades experience. This experience does not have to be obtained in Canada. Experience in other countries is considered. Graduates will be qualified to write the Red Seal exam, a recognized, interprovincial standard of skill and competency.

Quick Facts:

* The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is providing $512,259 through the Project Based Labour Market Training stream of WorkBC’s Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP).

* CEP’s goal is to increase employment and work experience opportunities in communities throughout B.C.

* Over $19 million will be invested in CEP projects around B.C. in 2019-20.