The Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) helps job seekers from under-represented groups start careers in the construction trades. STEP provides one-on-one support, including job search coaching, resume assistance, interview preparation, and direct connections to hiring employers.
Additionally, participants can access funding for tools, short-term safety training, PPE, and work gear to ensure they are job-ready. STEP also works with employers to fill entry-level trade positions by pre-screening candidates and offering ongoing support. Put simply, STEP connects motivated job seekers with construction employers, helping build a skilled workforce in British Columbia.
Training and development help apprentices acquire and build the skills, knowledge, and certifications needed to secure steady employment and advance in their careers. Construction employers, on the other hand, benefit from a well-trained workforce, leading to safer job sites, higher productivity, and better work quality.
At STEP, we connect motivated job seekers from under-represented groups with apprenticeship opportunities, short-term safety and soft skills training, and career support to help them succeed. Our job placement services provide opportunities for new trades workers to gain on-the-job training. Investing in training and development ensures long-term career growth, boosts confidence, and increases job opportunities in the construction industry.
Put simply, career readiness means having the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to succeed in the workplace. In the construction industry, career readiness, also referred to as job readiness, can include technical skills, workplace safety training, and essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. At STEP, we help job seekers build career readiness through one-on-one support from our Regional Employment Placement Specialists (REPS).
Our REPS provide job seekers with soft skills training, job search coaching, resume assistance, and interview preparation. We also connect job seekers with hiring employers and offer funding for essential items like tools, PPE, work gear, and short-term safety training, equipping them to transition into construction apprenticeships and long-term careers in BC’s skilled trades with confidence.
On-the-job training helps apprentices gain hands-on experience while earning a wage, making it one of the most effective ways to develop trade skills. Learning directly from experienced tradespeople builds confidence, improves problem-solving, and enhances job readiness. This practical approach ensures apprentices understand workplace safety, tool handling, and industry best practices.
Employers also benefit by training workers to meet company standards, reducing hiring costs and increasing productivity. On-the-job training bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, making it an essential step toward certification and long-term career success, particularly in the construction industry.
A skilled trade is a hands-on profession that requires specialized training, knowledge, and experience. There are almost 100 skilled trades recognized in British Columbia, just over 60 of which are construction trades. Some examples include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, refrigeration and air conditioning, and roofing. These trades are essential to building, repairing, and maintaining homes, commercial buildings, and infrastructure.
Unlike traditional academic paths, skilled trades focus on apprenticeship training, where workers gain real-world experience under the guidance of certified journeypersons. Skilled trades offer high demand career opportunities, competitive wages, and long-term job security.
There are almost 50 Red Seal trades recognized in British Columbia, covering sectors like construction, transportation, manufacturing, and services. The Red Seal Program sets national standards for skilled trades, ensuring certification is recognized across Canada.
Some recognized Red Seal trades include Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, to name a few. Earning a Red Seal endorsement (RSE) allows tradespeople to work anywhere in the country without needing additional certification. This program helps maintain high industry standards and supports workforce mobility.
An employment assistance program helps job seekers by providing career support, skills training, and job placement services. These programs connect individuals with employers, offer resume-building support, and provide guidance on interview techniques.
Employment assistance programs can also focus on helping specific groups, such as newcomers, youth, or those facing barriers to employment. In British Columbia, STEP supports individuals looking to start careers in the skilled trades, helping job seekers gain job readiness skills and connections they need to secure long-term employment in construction and apprenticeship positions.
