About Us
Skills Canada British Columbia (SCBC) is a leader in the development of innovative, hands-on learning experiences for youth in British Columbia. By creating conditions for young people to succeed in the trades and technologies, SCBC aspires to reposition skilled work as a preferred career pathway for youth in the province. SCBC offers programming to middle school (grades 6 – 10), secondary (grades 11 – 12), and post-secondary institutions that are designed to inspire, develop, and elevate youth in skilled trades and technology careers. Each year, SCBC helps thousands of students explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors.
Skills Canada BC’s programs are exciting and dynamic. They foster both creativity and curiosity. Students work with their hands, make real connections with potential employers, and think creatively about problems outside of a traditional classroom setting. SCBC is proud to support the future workforce as they discover the skills that will propel them to succeed – both in their careers and in all aspects of their lives.
YOUR FUTURE WORKFORCE IS HERE
Labour market statistics estimate that British Columbia will require 1 million skilled workers and technologists to fill retirement vacancies and support the province’s strong economic growth over the next ten years.
“B.C.’s latest Labour Market Outlook (LMO) forecasts more than one million job openings into the next decade, creating opportunities for students and job seekers to develop their skills and find rewarding jobs of the future,” [1]
According to British Columbia’s provincial government, in a post-pandemic setting the skilled trades and technology career trends have been driven by retirements, a decline in job seekers, and growth in the resource sectors.
SCBC is addressing this skills shortage by engaging thousands of youth in the showcasing of careers in skilled trades and technologies through creative, hands-on programming and events. Through strong partnerships with industry, government, post-secondary institutions, and alumni, Skills Canada BC is the hub for middle and secondary students to explore future careers in the skilled trades and technologies that focus on experiential learning and provide connections to our network of industry professionals and alumni.
SCBC works to ensure that industries related to trades and technologies, which are crucial to British Columbia’s continued economic development and success, will be well-equipped with a highly trained and motivated workforce. By first reaching out to students when they are in middle school, and by offering them exciting programming through secondary school and beyond into apprenticeships, Skills Canada BC is leading the way when it comes to changing public perception of trades and technologies.
Employment in the trades or technologies should be a viable career option for any student who is willing to advance their education and who has the necessary motivation, professionalism, and dedication. An integral component of Skills Canada BC’s mandate is to address future labour shortages by encouraging students to begin developing their skills and thinking about their careers early on in the education cycle.
SCBC fulfills a deficiency that exists in traditional academic settings by providing students with hands-on experience and direct connections to potential employers and post-secondary institutions.
OUR IMPACT
Skills Canada BC partners with many schools and communities across British Columbia to help today’s youth become tomorrow’s skilled trades and technology leaders. Sponsorship has been extremely influential, helping approximately one million students to date, that have competed and participated in regional competitions, provincial competitions, in-school programs, and online challenges throughout the province.
[1] Province of British Columbia, BC Gov News. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022AEST0004-000172 (Page 1.)