Local Practice Architecture, BCIT, and the Provincial government partner to support careers in architecture, construction, and engineering
Local Practice Architecture + Design (Local Practice), with the support of BCIT as its post-secondary educational partner, were selected as a BC Workplace Innovation Fund recipient to support recent high school graduates and newcomers to Canada in exploring fulfilling careers in the BC construction industry. The Workplace Innovation Fund, a flagship initiative of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, is focused on supporting innovative projects that address labour shortages, better prepare employers and workers for the changing economy, and attract, hire and retain a diverse workforce.
With this funding, Local Practice and BCIT are launching the new Certificate in Essential Technical Skills for Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE Certificate). Over the three years covered by the funding, the ACE Certificate will provide entry-level training and work experience to 160 recent high school graduates and newcomers to Canada in architecture and engineering, as well as construction. The innovative 14-month program begins with a six-week summer intensive comprised of foundational skills, followed by a year-long practicum component that includes a combination of paid internships and BCIT online courses.
The program’s unique value comes from closely engaging with over 45 industry partners to employ ACE Certificate students in industry-paid practicum placements. It is also innovative in the way it targets high school graduates who might not typically pursue post-secondary education either for financial or other reasons and emphasizes the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the industry. The program will work closely with regional school districts to identify and encourage applicants who would benefit from this innovative opportunity. After receiving their ACE Certificate, graduates can continue their education or continue working in industry while pursuing their educational goals part-time.
The July 2024 intake of the ACE Certificate has commenced. Learn more about the ACE Certificate program, including registration information for the next intake beginning in July 2025.
Quotes:
“We are committed to strengthening the entire ecosystem that makes up the construction sector as we advance towards a resilient and sustainable future. By providing leadership for this program, we have the chance to make big impacts to the construction industry in British Columbia”, says Matthew Woodruff, Principal and co-founder of Local Practice. “We recognize that the sector needs to be more proactive in its efforts to diversify, reach new potential employees and take an active role in developing the skills for the future workforce. Our collaboration with BCIT and other vision-aligned ACE companies has resulted in this ground-breaking industry-driven, student-centered, applied educational model.”
“For over 60 years, BCIT has been a leading provider in skilled trades training in the province, and the ACE Certificate exemplifies the collective impact of connecting education, industry, and government for student success,” says Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, BCIT President. “As BC is expecting more than 66,000 job openings in the construction industry over the next decade, removing barriers to underrepresented groups is imperative to building a diverse and agile workforce.”
“This project will give students a foot in the door with practical experience in architecture, construction and engineering,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “The Workplace Innovation Fund is showing us the ingenuity of BC’s construction sector. Projects like this will help test and implement new ideas to address labour shortages and prepare for a changing economy.”
About Local Practice Architecture + Design
Local Practice is an architecture studio in Vancouver, BC. We design buildings that advance technical innovation and nurture life in our bioregion. Through regenerative design, we harmonize the needs of people, place, and the living planet.
We called ourselves “local” to commit to our neighbours and community and “practice” to commit to the journey. Our efforts often extend beyond traditional architectural services to include engagement processes, strategic planning, and innovative instruction on leading edge subjects. We work with public agencies, educational institutions, and thought-leading clients to ask the big questions to create an abundant future for the generations we’ll never meet.
About the British Columbia Institute of Technology
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to lead innovation in their workplaces and communities. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, 300+ programs, and close to 43,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce.