ITA sponsors a number of community service providers, training providers, and Indigenous communities across BC to deliver trades training and employment programs focused to meeting the needs of vulnerable and under-represented groups in trades occupations, including Women, Indigenous people, and other Equity Seeking groups through funds from the Government of Canada and British Columbia. The programs provide a range of individualized and group services and supports, hands-on trades exploration training, entry level (pre-apprenticeship) technical training, industry certification training, mentorship, job coaching and employment placement services.
Below is a brief description of each sponsored program. Please contact the service providers directly to learn more about the programs, the supports and services offered, and eligibility as they may vary between programs.
For more information see Frequently Asked Questions
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As STEP works with construction industry employers and eligible participants to fill available jobs across BC, this program supports participants in each Region of the province to secure trades related employment by aligning their interest, aptitude and abilities to available job openings in construction occupations that offer advancement to high skilled trade occupations and ITA Apprenticeship registration. |
Region: Province Wide
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This program can provide skills training and employment opportunities and a network of supporters on your journey in the trades. Services may include: Preemployment coaching, including mentorship and networking; Skills training (with partners); Employment placement; Participant financial supports; Employment experience supports. |
Region: Province Wide
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Trades introductory program that includes life skills, essential skills, academic assessment, and industry recognized certifications. Camosun and VIU will provide 12-week trades’ exploration program, Foundation technical training and employment transition supports including Job Coach and Apprenticeship employment outcomes for high demand trades occupations. |
Region: Vancouver Island - Victoria Region: Vancouver Island - Cowichan, Nanaimo & Powell River |
 Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society (EMBERS) Women in Trades Training Program 2 week Women in Trades exploration program offering career planning, essential skills assessments and training, basic safety certificates and skills for entry level employment in the trades or continued education or training. |
Region: Mainland/Southwest Program Contact: Lynne Tapper Contact Info: lynne@emberscanada.org Website: https://emberscanada.org/ |
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Trades Discovery: This 2-week program provides opportunity for women to discover few construction trades skills, and is delivered in remote communities using Mobile Training Trailer, field trips to construction sites and college training facility; |
Region: North Vancouver Island |
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Trades Sampler: This 14-week program provides opportunity to explore variety of construction trades and gain foundational skills training while undertaking applied project(s). Program includes essential, soft skills training and Work experience-supporting direct engagement with employers and industry. |
Region: North Vancouver Island |
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This program offers the opportunity to explore various trades through a 12-week Gateway to the Building Trades for Women program delivered across 4 Okanagan College campuses. Participants will then have the opportunity to ladder into Trades Foundation technical training programs. |
Region: Thompson Okanagan - Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm - Revelstoke |
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This 12-week Introductory Construction Training program provides Indigenous women opportunity to explore Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Finishing Trades, and General Construction Training. This includes Culture and Essential Skills Training, Safety Certificates, job readiness support, resume writing assistance and paid work practicum. |
Region: Lower Mainland – North Vancouver Website: www.squamish.net Phone: 604-980-7946 Email: tradescentre@squamish.net |
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The EmpowerHER program offers the opportunity for you to be introduced to mechanical and construction trades through a Women’s Weekend Camp and a Women in Trades Training Exploratory program. This program also offers an opportunity to complete a trades foundation program. Connections and Careers in Trades. Employment services and supports available. |
Region: Thompson-Okanagan – Kamloops Website: www.tru.ca Phone: 250-371-5658 Email: witt@tru.ca |
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This 3-month program provides women with trade specific skills for construction trades (Construction Craft, Carpentry, Piping trades and Electrical), short term certifications (Traffic controls, CSTS, Fall Arrest, Elevated Platform, Skid steer and forklift) and employment assistance. It also covers safety tools, work site visit, female apprentice speaker and employer visit.
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Region: Thompson-Okanagan |
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Region: Mainland/Southwest Program Contact: Tina Hurd Contact Info: thurd@ywcavan.org 604-809-1001 Website: https://ywcavan.org/level-up |
BC Construction Association Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP)
BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT)
North Island College (Exploration Program to Construction Trades)
Okanagan College
Squamish Nations Trades Training Centre (Women in Trades)
Thompson Rivers University (EmpowerHER: Attract, Recruit, Retain Women in Trades Training)
