skilled trades

Snow plow part of the BC Road Builders Heavy Construction Association clearing the road in B.C (Photo courtesy of Matt Pitcairn)

$3.9M to attract skilled workers to become road builders across B.C.

In a trailer with simulators, the association will crisscross B.C. to show off jobs in the industry

 

Evan Fraser competing in the Skills Canada National Competition in the sprinkler fitting competition. (Courtesy of Camosun College)

Gold medal for Camosun College trades student at national skills competition

The top students went head-to-head in multi-trade competitions

 

The Provincial Skills Canada competition was held April 19 in Abbotsford at the Tradex. (Jessica Peters/Abbotsford News)

VIDEO: B.C. trades students compete in Skills Canada competitions in Abbotsford

Annual event brings hundreds of students together for competitions, hands-on learning and more

 

Now a welder, Alicia Johnstone has been pursuing a career in trades since the age of 20. However, only four per cent of welders across Canada were female, according to 2022 statistics. Photo courtesy Alicia Johnstone/Instagram

Campbell River female welder has battled sexism, adversity in building career

Despite numbers increasing, tradeswomen numbers still relatively low.

Now a welder, Alicia Johnstone has been pursuing a career in trades since the age of 20. However, only four per cent of welders across Canada were female, according to 2022 statistics. Photo courtesy Alicia Johnstone/Instagram
Most PPE in B.C. is only made with men in mind, creating one more barrier for women looking to enter the trades.(Credit: Pixabay)

From hardhats to boots: PPE is keeping women from the trades

Virtually all personal protective gear is designed only for men, creating barriers and safety risks

  • Jan 22, 2023
Most PPE in B.C. is only made with men in mind, creating one more barrier for women looking to enter the trades.(Credit: Pixabay)
Sheet metal fabricator Amy Carr prepares a filter rack to be welded. (Black Press Media file photo)

Camosun receives $1.2M gift for women’s trades program in Greater Victoria

Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation donation is largest Camosun has ever received

Sheet metal fabricator Amy Carr prepares a filter rack to be welded. (Black Press Media file photo)
FILE -Dean Anderson holds up a sign before a march on the first National Day of Action to draw attention to the opioid overdose epidemic, in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C.’s overdose crisis: drugs, death and denial on the job

A recent survey of construction workers in B.C. found 1 in 3 self-reported problematic substance use

FILE -Dean Anderson holds up a sign before a march on the first National Day of Action to draw attention to the opioid overdose epidemic, in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Revelstoke Secondary School is one of many across the province that provides students with an opportunity to learn different trades as well as begin their trade-education alongside finishing their high school diploma. (Photo via Twitter)

B.C. will have 80,000 job openings over the next 10 years

The B.C. Government is working on the professionalization of the trades

Revelstoke Secondary School is one of many across the province that provides students with an opportunity to learn different trades as well as begin their trade-education alongside finishing their high school diploma. (Photo via Twitter)
Robyn Hacking said having a network of fellow women in skilled trades is key to helping women succeed in the male-dominated field. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

Saanich college celebrates more than a decade helping women enter skilled trades

Graduate says networking with other women key to success in the industry

Robyn Hacking said having a network of fellow women in skilled trades is key to helping women succeed in the male-dominated field. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Mike Randall, a graduate of Camosun College’s fine furniture program, was named the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award winner for 2022. (Courtesy Camosun College)

Fine furniture specialist receives Camosun’s distinguished alumni award

Lifetime learner Mike Randall achieving business success by following his dream

Mike Randall, a graduate of Camosun College’s fine furniture program, was named the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award winner for 2022. (Courtesy Camosun College)
Riota Vangenne, a Grade 12 student at Royal Bay Secondary, demonstrates a rocket stove he built in welding class. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)

New welding equipment at Colwood, Sooke high schools part of SD62 trades training

CWB Welding Foundation grant purchases equipment for Royal Bay, Edward Milne

Riota Vangenne, a Grade 12 student at Royal Bay Secondary, demonstrates a rocket stove he built in welding class. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
A glazier apprentices at the Finishing Trades Institute of B.C. in Surrey. Glazier is one of the most in-demand trades. (Photo: BC Building Trades)

College of BC Building Trades opens its (virtual) doors as hub for B.C. schools

‘One-stop shop to learn about career opportunities in the unionized construction industry’

  • Apr 27, 2022
A glazier apprentices at the Finishing Trades Institute of B.C. in Surrey. Glazier is one of the most in-demand trades. (Photo: BC Building Trades)
Adam Kent is a master stonemason who is carrying on the legacy of the craft, having learned from a line of masters before him. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Fifth-generation stonemason carries on historic craft on Saanich Peninsula

Adam Kent hopes to pass on legacy of crafting detail and quality to his son

Adam Kent is a master stonemason who is carrying on the legacy of the craft, having learned from a line of masters before him. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
The number of skilled trades workers available is not enough to fill the current construction boom in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)

Influx of skilled tradespeople falling behind Greater Victoria construction boom

Thousands of positions will be needed by 2030, despite flow of Camosun trades students

The number of skilled trades workers available is not enough to fill the current construction boom in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)
Forestry skills, including chainsaw operation, are being offered in an employment certification training program being offered in Nanaimo. (Stock photo)

B.C. government partners on advanced forestry skills training program in Nanaimo

Training offered in first aid, chainsaw operation, fire suppression and pesticide application

Forestry skills, including chainsaw operation, are being offered in an employment certification training program being offered in Nanaimo. (Stock photo)
Bronté Freeman is the owner and operator of Victoria custom fabrication and design business, Freeman Fabrication. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)

Female-owned welding business is a Victoria trailblazer

When Bronté Freeman first tried welding five years ago she was ‘instantly mesmerized’

Bronté Freeman is the owner and operator of Victoria custom fabrication and design business, Freeman Fabrication. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)
EDITORIAL: Labour Day takes on bigger meaning in 2020

EDITORIAL: Labour Day takes on bigger meaning in 2020

Labour Day 2020 will be perhaps the most unique Canada has celebrated in modern times.

  • Sep 7, 2020
EDITORIAL: Labour Day takes on bigger meaning in 2020
The Cowichan Valley School District has won a trades training award. (Black Press file photo)

Cowichan School District wins top trades training award

“The welding program provided an amazing head start on my career”

  • Jul 9, 2020
The Cowichan Valley School District has won a trades training award. (Black Press file photo)