Celebrating Construction and Skilled Trades Month

April is Construction and Skilled Trades Month. It's a time to reflect on the important contributions made by British Columbia's construction industry for people, communities, and the economy. The month-long event is also meant to acknowledge and celebrate construction workers, skilled trades professionals, contractors, and other businesses that work together to make a better future for BC.

The construction industry is the largest employer in BC’s goods sector. According to the British Columbia Construction Association's 2024 Fall Stats Pack, BC has a total construction labour force of 243,000, including 167,300 trades workers. Furthermore, there are 28,065 construction companies across the province that contribute 29.3 billion dollars to the provincial GDP.

Many of these construction jobs are considered "high-opportunity occupations" with higher demand, higher wages, and better career advancement opportunities. That’s good news for those considering a trades career and for established skilled trades professionals seeking to advance their career opportunities.

While making the right career decisions can be a daunting task, there are a number of excellent resources that provide information, education, and other supports to ensure a successful career in construction or any of the other trades industries.

The British Columbia Construction Association is the largest and most diverse construction association in the province and is the primary source of information and guidance for the industry.

SkilledTradesBC is responsible for overseeing skilled trades training and apprenticeship programs. It has a fun and easy-to-use online tool to help those considering a trades career find the trade that best matches their unique user profile.

TradeUpBC provides experienced trades professionals, contractors, and those that employ them with easy access to a wide range of short professional development courses and certificate programs. The goal is to help them keep up with rapidly changing workplace demands, advance their careers, and support those preparing to make a career change.

To view a comprehensive list of resources, including Trades Organizations, Grants and Scholarships, and Inclusive Organizations, visit the TradeUpBC Resources page.