Vancouver Community College training hundreds more people

VANCOUVER Community College (VCC) will receive 224 new skilled-trades training seats as part of the Look West strategy to deliver 5,000 new trades training seats throughout the province in 2026-27.

This will bring the total number of trades training seats available at VCC to more than 1,770 this year.

“We’re increasing our skilled-trades training seats, so more people can get good jobs as part of the Look West economic plan,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, on Thursday. “We continue to build on B.C.’s strengths, our people, by training up and growing our skilled workforce, and creating opportunities for people and businesses that will benefit families and communities throughout our province.”

Government is investing $241 million over three years to train British Columbians for in-demand jobs, helping more people take advantage of opportunities by getting trained and moving onto job sites quicker.

“Industry leaders and businesses have told us they need more skilled-trades workers to fill job openings across all major projects underway and on the horizon throughout B.C.,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “That’s why we are adding new skilled-trades training seats at VCC. We’re growing our pool of skilled tradespeople so they can find fulfilling, good-paying jobs, and so industry can have the workers they need to continue growing and strengthening B.C.’s economy.”

The new trades training seats will:

* reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs

* introduce more young people to the trades

* increase training capacity in high-demand occupations, including automotive service technician, construction electrician, heavy mechanical trades, and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic

Major projects in construction, clean energy, mining, transportation and advanced technology are driving demand for skilled workers throughout British Columbia, including in the Lower Mainland.

With expanded programming at Vancouver Community College, the region is well-positioned to advance B.C.’s priorities under the Look West economic strategy.

Sunita Dhir, MLA for Vancouver-Langara, and parliamentary secretary for international credentials, said: “The need for more skilled tradespeople in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland continues to grow, and that means more great jobs for people. VCC is a key local training site for young people to get the skills they need so they can take advantage of these opportunities and build the future they want. We all benefit when talented young people find good-quality jobs and stay in B.C.”

George Chow, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview, said: “I hear a lot from young people who want to land a great job with a future in the Vancouver region, so they can continue to live in the city they love. These new seats at VCC will help to make that possible by giving people the skilled-trades training they need to get onto a job site and build a good life here.”

Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, said: “Opening new skilled-trades training seats at VCC opens more pathways for people to rewarding careers. Investments like this help strengthen our economy, our region and our post-secondary institutions, and that helps families today and our future generations in Vancouver and throughout the province.”

Ajay Patel, president and CEO, Vancouver Community College, said: “We are grateful to the Province of B.C. for its continued investment in skilled-trades education. Expanding training opportunities will help more learners build rewarding careers while addressing workforce needs across the province. This funding reinforces VCC’s commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful careers and strengthening the communities they will serve.”