The Province of British Columbia is investing $40 million over three years in a new trades training initiative designed to expand workforce development opportunities and improve access to training throughout the province.
The Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative will provide project-based funding beginning in 2026-27. The program is part of the province's broader Look West strategy, an economic plan focused on supporting major project delivery, strengthening B.C.'s workforce and economic resilience, and helping keep jobs and prosperity throughout the province.
According to the province, the initiative builds on its more than $240-million Look West skilled trades training investment, which also includes 5,000 new training seats in 2026-27 and increased ongoing per-seat funding for apprenticeship programs.
The Workforce Readiness Initiative will support projects that advance trades training in strategic economic sectors and major project areas, improve apprenticeship progression, retention and completion, and expand access to training for Indigenous Peoples, rural and remote communities and equity-deserving groups.
“We’re making sure everyone who wants to work in the trades has access to the training and skills they need to get there,” said Jessie Sunner. “This Workforce Readiness Initiative will help ensure training remains responsive to industry and employer needs, while improving access to training for British Columbians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.”
The province noted funded projects may also support apprentices in overcoming barriers to completing their training and enhance apprenticeship pathways through partnerships between communities, training providers, unions and employers.
Industry groups welcomed the announcement. According to BC Building Trades, recent investments in trades training have already expanded training capacity throughout the province.
“BC Building Trades union trades training schools are the largest sponsors of apprentices in British Columbia, training thousands of skilled tradespeople every year,” said Brynn Bourke. “The recent historic investment in trades training has enabled us to add more than 1,000 new training seats, expanding opportunities for the next generation of workers. This additional funding will provide the critical wraparound supports apprentices need to succeed, from entry into the trades to achieving their Red Seal certification.”
Eligible applicants include SkilledTradesBC-funded training providers, such as public post-secondary institutions, union-affiliated training schools and designated specialized training institutions and organizations delivering Indigenous skills and employment training programs in B.C. Applications opened June 15 and will be accepted until Sept. 15, 2026.
