Justin Hudson is pursuing a career as an electrician through the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP).

After graduating from high school, Justin connected with STEP to help him begin his journey into the skilled trades. As a newcomer to Canada, he was looking for support as he explored career opportunities and prepared for training in the electrical field. Through STEP, Justin received assistance with resume and cover letter development, completed SiteReadyBC, Fall Protection, and Elevated Work Platform certifications, and accessed financial support for tools and safety equipment.

Reflecting on his experience, Justin shared how STEP contributed to his progress and helped him stay focused on his goals.

“All the hard work has paid off, and I credit my success to the STEP program, STEP staff and my mom”— Justin Hudson, STEP Program Participant

With encouragement from his Regional Employment Placement Specialist, Justin successfully applied for a scholarship that helped fund his Electrical Foundation training. He has since completed the program and continues working toward a career in the electrical trade.

Justin’s story demonstrates how training, support, and encouragement can help aspiring tradespeople build confidence and take meaningful steps toward a career in construction.

Interested in starting your career in the skilled trades?
STEP connects entry-level apprentices with employers and provides the support, resources, and guidance needed to take the first step into the construction industry.

After graduating high school in the summer of 2025, Jason knew he wanted to pursue a career in the skilled trades. He completed a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic pre-apprenticeship program, but like many new graduates entering the workforce, he found it difficult to take the next step.

Through the BCCA’s  Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP), Jason was connected with his Regional Employment Placement Specialist (REPS), Dave, who helped him navigate the early stages of his career search, providing a list of HVAC employers in the Okanagan region and encouraging Jason to take a proactive approach by reaching out directly to companies.

At first, Jason worried that employers would turn him away due to his limited experience. With guidance and encouragement from his REPS, however, he began approaching businesses and introducing himself. That persistence paid off, as Jason successfully secured a position as an HVAC apprentice.

Through STEP, Jason also received support to help purchase the tools he needed to start his new role. Today, those tools are part of his daily work on the job site.

For Jason, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was the ongoing support he received throughout the process.

“What made the STEP program special for me was how easy it was to communicate with my REPS and it felt like Dave was actually interested in helping me succeed. I would recommend STEP to others because they helped me get to where I am today, which is a good spot as an apprentice at a company.”— Jason Pope, STEP Program Participant

Interested in starting your career in the skilled trades?
STEP connects entry-level apprentices with employers and provides the support, resources, and guidance needed to take the first step into the construction industry.

Through STEP, Carson received help with updating his resume, giving him a more professional presentation as he began applying for opportunities. The program also helped him with purchasing the tools he needed to begin working in his trade.

Carson was connected with his Regional Employment Placement Specialist (REPS), Dave, who guided him through the process of entering the trades and starting an apprenticeship.

“Dave made the entire experience very easy by explaining everything clearly about the apprenticeship process and checking in every couple of weeks to make sure things were going well at the company I’m working for.” — Carson Martin, STEP Program Participant

Programs like BCCA’s STEP help job seekers access the tools, guidance, and industry connections they need to begin successful careers in construction trades.

Interested in starting a career in the trades? Learn more about how STEP can support your path into the construction industry.