B.C is adding 5,000 trades-training spaces to for students across every region in the province for 2026-27.
Premier David Eby made the announcement at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in Cloverdale July 28. KPU is getting 462 of those new skilled-trades training seats for September. The additional seats brings KPU up to 1,762 trades-training seats.
The effort is expected to cost the province $241 million over three years.
“By adding hundreds of new trades-training seats here in Surrey, we’re making sure British Columbians are trained for the jobs of the future, that will allow them to support their families and their dreams,” Eby said during the announcement held at KPU. “Skilled-trades training opens the door to rewarding careers and bigger paycheques, delivering the homes, infrastructure and major projects our province needs.”
Jessie Sunner, Surrey-Newton MLA, said as the Lower Mainland continues to see strong demand for skilled workers, bringing more training spots into KPU helps fill demand for skilled trade jobs.
“Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and the demand for skilled workers is growing with it,” said Sunner, who is also the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “These new seats at KPU will help more people access trades training closer to home and prepare for rewarding careers in the trades building projects across our province, including local infrastructure like hospitals, schools and the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain.”
Brandon Payne, a first-year apprentice in construction electrical trades at KPU, lauded the announcement.
“There is tremendous demand in the industry for skilled tradespeople, as AI and automation continue to transform the workforce,” Payne said. “There are plenty of opportunities for new apprentices, and employers are actively seeking talent. Having the opportunity to begin that journey at KPU is a privilege, and this funding for trades training helps students like me advance to the next level.”
The government noted new training spaces will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs, introduce more young people to trades and support training in a range of occupations such as: construction electricians, industrial mechanics (millwrights), plumbers, construction craft workers, and parts technicians.
For more info on skilled trades training and opportunities, visit: strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/skilled-trades-training.