View PDF version here

VICTORIA, BC (October 5, 2026) – BCCA is excited to announce that 2026 – 2027 marks the 20^th anniversary of the Skilled Trades Employment Program, known as STEP, which connects motivated candidates with construction employers across British Columbia.

The program aims to equip motivated candidates with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to pursue careers in construction. Since its inception, the program has served almost 16,000 individuals, placed over 13,500 people into trades jobs for over 5,000 employers across BC, including approximately 2,800 who identified as Indigenous, 2,500 women, 2,050 new Canadians, and 9,500 youth, setting them up for lifelong success.

The growth, success, and leadership of program participants is a testament to the program’s success as the foundation of thousands of careers in the trades.

“For 20 years, STEP has been opening doors to careers in construction and helping thousands of British Columbians build a future in the skilled trades,” said Chris Atchison, President of the BC Construction Association. “We’re incredibly proud of what STEP has accomplished and the lasting impact it has had on people, employers, and communities throughout BC.”

STEP has been key in addressing skilled labour shortages in construction, helping employers find the people they need. The program helps employers in their hiring process, providing pre- and post-placement support, connecting them to job-ready skilled workers, and improving workforce retention by continuing to support employees post-placement.

“Construction employers need skilled, motivated people, and STEP helps make those connections happen,” said Atchison. “STEP provides ongoing supports to ensure workers succeed on the job, while ensuring employers have access to the strong workforce British Columbians depend on.”

BCCA is proud to steward this program as a successful workforce solution for BC’s construction industry and is excited to commemorate two decades of growth and progress in shaping the careers of thousands across the province.

Over the course of the next few months, BCCA will be highlighting some of the participants who have pursued meaningful careers in the trades, and employers who have filled critical workforce needs through the STEP program. The STEP Stories 20-Year Special edition will highlight participants who have found a rewarding, meaningful career over the past two decades through STEP as a testament to the program’s success. Visit https://stepbc.ca/about/step-20th-anniversary/ to see how STEP continues to make a difference in BC’s construction industry.

-30-

About the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA): BCCA is a non-partisan and non-profit organization, working with four Regional Construction Associations to serve more than 10,000 employers in the province’s industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential multi-unit construction industry regardless of labour affiliation. BCCA advocates on behalf of employers, so BC’s construction sector remains productive and resilient.

For more information about STEP: visit: https://stepbc.ca
For more information about BCCA, visit: https://bccassn.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Greg Descantes
gdescantes@pacegroup.com
604.646.3564

Andie MacAfee is building her career in BC’s electrical trade with support from the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP).

After completing the Electrical Foundations Plus program at Okanagan College, Andie was looking for an opportunity to begin her apprenticeship and gain experience in the field. Through STEP, she received support with resume development, employer connections, tools, personal protective equipment, and transportation assistance. STEP also helped connect her with Four Point Electric, where she secured a position as an Apprentice Electrician.

Reflecting on her experience, Andie shared how STEP helped her move closer to achieving her career goals.

“My goal is to become a Red Seal Electrician, and STEP has brought me closer to that goal.”— Andie Macafee, STEP Program Participant

Today, Andie is continuing to build her skills and gain valuable experience as an Apprentice Electrician.

Andie’s story demonstrates how employment connections, industry support, and hands-on experience can help emerging trades professionals successfully launch their careers 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.

Kane Madore began his career in the skilled trades through the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP).

Before joining STEP, Kane was looking for a way to get started in the trades and lacked the tools and resources needed to begin working. Through the program, he received support to help remove those barriers, including the tools and equipment required to start his new role as a Plumber Helper with Trufinity Plumbing Heating & Cooling.

Reflecting on his experience, Kane shared how STEP helped him take the first steps toward a career in the trades.

“They pointed me in the right direction and now I’m able to learn and earn in my trade.”— Kane Madore, STEP Program Participant

Today, Kane is gaining valuable hands-on experience while continuing to develop his skills in the plumbing trade.

Kane’s story highlights how practical support and employment opportunities can help job seekers successfully launch careers in BC’s construction industry.

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.

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.