The province of British Columbia is currently experiencing a period of economic growth that has expanded demand for labourers in skilled trades. BC apprenticeships and job training for skilled trades can prepare you for a career in these high-demand occupations. If you are considering a trade apprenticeship in British Columbia, now is likely the best time to begin training for your new career. A large number of projected job openings can make the transition to trades much easier for workers of all ages.

The British Columbia Labour Market Outlook projects that British Columbia will have 998,000 job openings between 2023 and 2033. Among these openings, a variety of industries are expected to have over 85,000 job openings in the skilled trades.

Skilled trades in BC can offer many benefits and can help you to achieve a higher degree of success personally and financially. WorkBC has released estimates for projected job openings for various trades in BC from 2023 to 2033. Here is a list of the top 15 trades that are expected to be in high demand over the next decade in our area of Canada.

Mechanics and automotive service technicians will be in demand over the next decade in British Columbia. An estimated 5,100 positions will be available for job seekers with the right skills and qualifications. If you are considering a career in skilled trades in BC, an apprenticeship in the automotive sector could be the right option for you.

If baking is your passion, consider training and apprenticeship as a baker in British Columbia. With 3,400 job vacancies projected for the next 10 years, bakers with the right training and appropriate apprenticeship experience can qualify for good-paying jobs with top employers. Red Seal endorsements may also be possible if you wish to practice your trade elsewhere in Canada.

Building maintenance workers are always in demand in the commercial and industrial sectors. Most building maintenance workers work in office buildings or residential communities to provide a variety of services for tenants that may require the following skills:

As you can see, building maintenance encompasses a wide range of activities and requires a variety of specialty skills. An estimated 5,600 job openings are projected over the period between 2023 and 2033 in British Columbia, which makes this a career in demand in our region of Canada.

Carpentry trades in BC are also expected to see a surge in job openings and increased demand for qualified workers. About 8,500 jobs for carpenters are expected to open over the next decade in British Columbia. A trade apprenticeship with an experienced carpenter can allow you to acquire the necessary skills to qualify for these jobs.

Construction workers will continue to be in demand in British Columbia with 8,000 job openings projected for this sector of the economy over the next 10 years. These jobs are typically performed outdoors and require significant lifting and physical mobility. BC apprenticeships in the construction field can provide on-the-job experience and can be combined with classroom instruction to help workers acquire the necessary skills for success.

An estimated 8,800 job openings for chefs and cooks are expected over the next 10 years in BC. Investing a little time and effort into training and trade apprenticeships in the culinary arts can pay off in increased employment opportunities and the potential for higher wages once you complete your training. Most cooking programs include classroom instruction as well as on-the-job experiences to prepare you for the fast-paced environment of the modern restaurant kitchen.

A trade apprenticeship with a qualified and experienced electrician can provide you with the experience and knowledge needed to qualify for one of the more than 2,900 job opportunities for electricians projected for British Columbia by 2033. Electricians work for property owners, companies and industrial concerns to provide reliable power and to upgrade or repair existing electrical wiring and panels.

Training for a career as an electronics technician can prepare you for one of the estimated 3,000 jobs in this sector that will become available over the next decade. Lab work, classroom instruction and problem-solving exercises will be part of your training to diagnose, adjust, install and repair a variety of electronic equipment for your customers.

Personal services are reliably one of the most stable sectors in the Canadian economy. Aspiring barbers and hairstylists can expect to see 4,500 job openings over the next 10 years in British Columbia, which will make this a solid choice for individuals interested in pursuing careers in this field. You can also specialize or add qualifications in related fields like esthetics, which can often improve your chances of finding the right position in your chosen field.

Maintaining and repairing large-scale industrial and construction vehicles and equipment requires specialized training as a heavy-duty equipment technician. Apprenticeship programs for this specialty can prepare you to take on one of the estimated 2,300 jobs that will experience vacancies over the next decade. As one of the nationally designated trades listed in the Red Seal Program, qualified individuals who complete the requirements for this endorsement can be qualified to work anywhere in Canada as a heavy-duty equipment technician.

With a projected 4,300 jobs opening up in the next decade for heavy equipment operators, practitioners of these trades in BC can expect plenty of opportunities for employment and advancement in British Columbia. Heavy equipment operators are employed in construction, mining, transportation and agricultural sectors and typically complete trade apprenticeships as part of their training.

Industrial mechanics and millwrights with the right training and experience are always in demand in our area. About 2,600 jobs are expected to open up for millwrights and industrial mechanics in BC over the next decade. The right training and apprenticeship could allow you to enjoy the financial benefits of working in this skilled trade.

BC apprenticeships in plumbing will provide you with the knowledge and the hands-on experience necessary to pursue this in-demand career. About 2,100 job vacancies for plumbers are expected in British Columbia by 2033. Plumbing professionals work for larger companies or as independent contractors. You will also need to complete training as a Gasfitter Class A or Class B to qualify for most professional positions after your apprenticeship is complete. Once you have completed all necessary training, apprenticeship requirements and additional endorsements, however, you can choose to work for an established company or to launch your own business as a professional plumber.

Most jobs for welders are in the industrial, manufacturing or construction sectors of the economy. Many welders find work in machine shops, plumbing companies, electronics concerns and manufacturing plants as well as in construction jobs across our area. About 2,700 job openings are currently projected for welders in British Columbia in the 10-year period between 2023 and 2033.

If any of these career paths sound appealing to you, now is the best possible time to begin training and apprenticeship for trades in BC. Trades Training BC website is a great place to start exploring your options for skilled trades in BC. We can provide you with information, training and assistance in finding apprenticeship opportunities in British Columbia. We are here to help you achieve your full potential in the employment marketplace.