The future of trades in BC

BCIT thought leaders recently took to the airwaves to give some perspective on the BC job market and offer insight on what the future of trades might look like for this booming province.

As part of the CKNW Future of Work series, President Kathy Kinloch and Dean of Construction and the Environment, Wayne Hand, discussed what the future holds for trades (spoiler alert – it’s promising). “[You] can come into BCIT and explore the trades, take a 16- week program and be exposed to 15 different trades to find the one that aligns best with [your] interests,” says Wayne. “The trades programs are fantastic starting points and they also ladder into many of the technology and degrees that BCIT offers.”

If you like working with your hands and enjoy problem-solving – a career in the trades might be for you. From power engineering to gasfitting, from electrical to sheet metal, there are dozens of trades in high-demand across the province. Once enrolled in a trades apprenticeship programs you’ll work full-time for your employer, but you’ll spend part of your time attending technical training at BCIT. You get to earn while you learn! Once your apprenticeship is complete, you’ll be in a great position to obtain Red Seal endorsement – your ticket to working anywhere in the world.

Tamara Pongracz knows a thing or two about finding your fit. Tamara is the Chief Instructor for the Trades Discovery program. Tamara touched on the changes taking place that are helping more women enter the industry, including the Trades Discovery for Women program at BCIT. When it comes to women in trades, Tamara doesn’t deny that there is still a long way to go, but is heartened by the powerful movements taking place within industry and government that are changing the trades landscape for the better.

Make sure to take a listen to the insightful conversations from industry leaders and BCIT instructors over at the CKNW Future of Work series.

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