NANAIMO, B.C. — The B.C. government has announced 64 new skilled trades training seats at Vancouver Island University (VIU), increasing the total number of trades training spaces at the university to 1,550 this year as part of the province’s efforts to address growing labour shortages.
Speaking at the Windsor Plywood Trades Discovery Centre, Jessie Sunner, B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, said the additional training opportunities will help people on Vancouver Island build rewarding careers close to home.
“Sixty-four new trades training seats this year will bring the total number at Vancouver Island University to 1,550. More opportunities for people in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island to create good-paying careers close to home and build the skilled workforce our province needs,” said Sunner.
The announcement comes as B.C. anticipates nearly 100,000 job openings across more than 100 skilled trades over the next decade, driven by major infrastructure projects, housing construction, clean energy initiatives, and retirements within the workforce.
The province is also doubling funding for skilled trades training under its Look West jobs and economic growth strategy, aiming to expand access to education and certification in high-demand occupations while strengthening B.C.’s workforce and economy.
Government officials say the investment will help ensure more British Columbians can access training for stable, well-paying careers while meeting the province’s growing demand for skilled workers.
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