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Underrepresented groups, such as women, Indigenous people and other equity-deserving groups, can take skills development and employment

The organization helps to deliver the programs by partnering with service providers, training providers and Indigenous organizations across the province.

The programs deliver a wide variety of individual and group services and supports: hands-on trades exploration training, pre-apprenticeship entry-level trades technical training, industry recognized certification training, mentorship, job coaching and employment placement services.

“With more than 72,000 job openings projected across 15 skilled trades in the next 10 years, expanding opportunities for women, Indigenous people and other equity-deserving groups will be critical in meeting our province’s workforce demand,” says STBC.

Here are four STBC equity in trades training programs.

The prepares women for a range of trades occupations in �鶹��ýӳ�� and skilled trades.

Women are guided toward training, certifications and apprenticeship programs for a continuous pathway to skill enhancement and career progression.

The BC Construction Association’s ) works to fill apprenticeship positions across the province.

STEP helps program participants secure �鶹��ýӳ�� employment with job search coaching and support, short-term certificates and soft skills training, job placements and personal supports to ensure they are job ready.

Workplace Alternative Trades Training (WATT) was created by the and the.

Adrien Livingston, WJETS executive director, says WATT is a fast-track pre-employment electrical apprenticeship training program that trains participants in the skills employers want.

It is free for equity-priority people who face barriers getting into the electrical trades.

WATT is based on a partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union partners through IBEW locals 230, 993 and 1003

“The program is a unique approach to pre-apprenticeship/pre-employment training,” says Livingston. “WATT focuses 100 per cent on apprenticeship readiness and hands-on skills.”

Livingston says WATT delivers enhanced hands-on training and the employment opportunities that bring context to learning for any technical training that follows.

“WATT apprentices, in general, have a better idea of what is expected of them and how to be successful, and are more prepared because they have seen the concepts they’re learning about in real life,” says Livingston.

“Once they’ve graduated from WATT, they’re connected with their local union and an employer to begin on-the-job training with support from a network dedicated to their success.”

WATT facilities are located in Victoria, Nelson, Kamloops, Prince George and Terrace.

The program takes five weeks from start to finish, with the first two weeks part-time online. The initial period is followed by two and one-half weeks in the shop doing hands-on training.

The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society has the

Trade Starters delivers trade sampler pre-apprenticeship training to equity deserving groups for trades programs that require skilled trades certification in order to work in the field.

Ashima Kapoor, manager of employment programs, says Trades Starters targets individuals who face barriers to entering the workforce.

The program offers them opportunities to obtain sustainable employment, skilled trades positions or apprenticeships within their communities or across the province.

Participants can pick one of three learning streams and do sampler/pre-apprenticeship training at these B.C. post-secondary institutions: Ace Trades and Technical Institute, Kwantleen Polytechnic University and Vancouver Community College.

Stream 1: Electrical trades covers �鶹��ýӳ�� electrician, industrial electrician and power line technician.

Stream 2: Mechanical trades covers refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, gas fitter (Class A and Class B), and steam fitter/pipe fitter.

Stream 3: Automotive trades covers heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician, auto body, and collision technician.

The training delivery model is “hybrid.” Technical training is delivered in person, and employability skills training is online.

Training takes a total of 16 weeks. Eight to 10 weeks of occupational training; two to four weeks of “soft skills” and employability skills training; and four weeks of one-to-one job support.

STBC is the provincial Crown corporation that oversees B.C.’s apprenticeship system.

It works with apprentices, employers, training providers, industry and community partners to support pathways into skilled trades and apprenticeship.

STBC partners with the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to receive federal funding to deliver pre-apprenticeship training and skills development for Indigenous people, women and other equity-deserving groups across the province.