STEP 20th Anniversary
Celebrating 20 years of Connecting Job-Ready Candidates with BC’s Construction Employers
BCCA is proud to announce that 2026 – 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP)! We’re taking this anniversary to reflect and recognize how the program has grown and shaped the careers of thousands.
Since 2006, STEP has connected motivated candidates with construction employers in British Columbia, helping employers address workforce shortages while strengthening the pipeline of skilled tradespeople across the province. The program supports diversity and inclusion and makes entry-level apprenticeship opportunities more accessible. BCCA is proud to steward STEP as a proven workforce solution for B.C.’s construction industry.
Over the past two decades, we’ve seen participants grow from youth with little to no experience into skilled, dedicated leaders in their fields.
STEP’s impact in 20 years:
13,700+ individuals placed across more than 5,000 employers across BC.
15,910 individuals2,496 women2,877 indigenous people9,474 youth2,065 new Canadians served.
Individuals who have been placed into jobs in the trades most notably become welders, electricians, air conditioning mechanics, carpenters and plumbers.
The program has evolved to ensure new apprentices have access to all the support they need to be successful, from making an action plan when they’re first starting out, to connecting them to apprenticeship opportunities, providing extra financial supports and benefits to ensure job readiness, and following up after placement for long-term success.
STEP has been key in addressing skilled labour shortages in construction. Over the past two decades, the program has fortified long-term relationships with leaders in the construction industry across the province, which has been foundational to connecting skilled, job-ready candidates with the employers who need them. Through pre- and post-placement support, STEP doesn’t just place candidates, but ensures long-term success for skilled workers and construction employers in BC.
STEP Stories 20-Year Special Edition
This page will be home to STEP Stories, a series highlighting participants who have found a rewarding, meaningful career over the past two decades through STEP as a testament to the program’s success.
Join us in celebrating 20 years of growing careers in construction!
COMING SOON
