BCCA Celebrates 20 Years of the Skilled Trades Employment Program in British Columbia

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The British Columbia Construction Association marks the 20th anniversary of its Skilled Trades Employment Program, which has placed over 13,500 individuals in trades jobs across the province.

In Victoria, the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) has declared that the years 2026 to 2027 will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Skilled Trades Employment Program, commonly referred to as STEP. This initiative has been instrumental in linking job candidates with construction employers throughout British Columbia. Since its launch, STEP has reached nearly 16,000 individuals, successfully placing more than 13,500 people into trades positions with over 5,000 employers in the province. Among those served by the program are approximately 2,800 individuals who identified as Indigenous, 2,500 women, 2,050 new Canadians, and 9,500 youth. Chris Atchison, the president of BCCA, expressed pride in the program's accomplishments, stating, "For 20 years, STEP has been opening doors to careers in construction and helping thousands of British Columbians build a future in the skilled trades." He emphasized the profound impact that STEP has had on individuals, employers, and communities across British Columbia. STEP assists employers in their hiring processes by offering both pre- and post-placement support, ensuring connections to job-ready skilled workers, and enhancing workforce retention through continued support after placement. "Construction employers need skilled, motivated people, and STEP helps make those connections happen," Atchison remarked. Furthermore, he noted that the program provides ongoing support to guarantee that workers succeed in their roles while ensuring that employers have access to the robust workforce that British Columbians rely on. According to the BCCA's announcement, in the coming months, the association will spotlight several participants who have embarked on fulfilling careers in the trades, alongside employers who have met critical workforce demands through the STEP initiative. This will culminate in a special edition titled "STEP Stories 20-Year Special edition," which will showcase the journeys of participants who have achieved rewarding careers over the past two decades through the STEP program, serving as a testament to its success.

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