College of the BC Building Trades

This National Indigenous History Month, we recognize and celebrate the leadership, knowledge, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the skilled trades. We are proud to highlight two affiliate schools helping create meaningful pathways through Indigenous-centred training, education, and scholarship opportunities that support future generations of skilled trades professionals.

Electrical Joint Training Committee (EJTC)
Since launching its first fully Indigenous class in 2017, the EJTC’s All-Indigenous Pathways Program has continued to grow, from 59 Indigenous apprentices in 2019 to 73 today, now representing 9% of all EJTC apprentices. This progress reflects the power of community, opportunity, and strong partnerships.

A special thank you to the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) for helping create pathways for Indigenous apprentices to build rewarding careers in the trades.

LiUNA Local 1611
LiUNA Local 1611’s Reconciliation through Indigenous Scholarship & Education (RISE) Awards provide support to Indigenous members and families of members pursuing their education goals. Open to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants, these awards are part of an ongoing commitment to reconciliation, representation, and investing in future generations.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

Canada’s skilled trades industry is booming.

2026 may be one of the best times to get into the skilled trades, with B.C. expected to need more than 83,000 new trades workers over the next decade. To top it off, the federal government is investing $6 billion in the skilled trades, creating more opportunities in Red Seal careers such as carpentry, plumbing, ironworking, machining, and heavy equipment operation.

As demand for housing, infrastructure, and energy projects rises, careers in the trades are offering strong pay, long-term job security, and the opportunity to earn while you learn through apprenticeships. Proving the trades aren’t just for recent grads, the average age of an apprentice today is around 27, demonstrating it’s never too late to start a rewarding, hands-on career.

The next generation of skilled workers will play a major role in shaping the future of B.C. Will you be a part of it?

Crane Operators repair, maintain, and operate various models of lattice-boom, telescopic-boom, and truck cranes. Requiring strong depth perception awareness, crane operators operate and maintain mobile or tower cranes to safely lift and move heavy materials in challenging environments, including planning lifts, rigging, and signalling.

Earning $35-$62 per hour, Crane Operators require sharp concentration working under minimal supervision in a variety of environmental and hazardous conditions.

Your journey starts here. At the College of the BC Building Trades, our students say it best.

“It’s changed my life by making me feel like I actually have a career and I’m on the right path for my future.” – Cabrell, Student & Drywall Finishing Apprentice
We’re proud to support Cabrell on her journey and wish her continued success as she builds her career in the trades.

Ready to start your own career path? Explore our apprenticeship opportunities and earn while you learn the skills for a successful future like Cabrell’s.

Partner Spotlight: Finishing Trades Institute of British Columbia (FTIBC)

The Finishing Trades Institute of BC (FTIBC) provides valuable, hands-on training for apprentices and journeypersons in the Painting & Decorating, Glazing, Drywall Finishing, and Wall & Ceiling Installer trades.

Empowering through trades training, the FTIBC also offers a wide variety of safety classes and administers the Safety Passport Program exclusively for IUPAT DC38 members.

FTIBC is ready to help you take the next step and start your journey in the finishing trades today.

Drywall Finishers are the skilled tradespeople behind smooth, polished walls and ceilings in homes and buildings. They tape, fill, sand, and finish drywall joints, creating seamless surfaces ready for paint while also enhancing soundproofing, fire resistance, and decoration.

Requiring sharp eyesight, agility, and precise attention to detail, this hands-on trade uses specialized tools and techniques to deliver clean, professional results on both interior and exterior surfaces.

Salaries range from $23.98 to $41.51* an hour (*as of 2025), with training that includes a 3-year paid apprenticeship where you can earn while you learn.

Explore pathways and requirements at https://collegeofthebcbt.ca/explore-the-trades/drywall-finisher/