September 21, 2026
Education News Canada

GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Expanding skilled-trades training opens doors in Thompson-Okanagan

September 21, 2026
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People in the Thompson-Okanagan will have more opportunities to train for rewarding careers in the skilled trades as Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops adds more than 800 new skilled-trades training seats.

The move is part of the Look West strategy's commitment to deliver 5,000 new trades-training seats throughout the province in 2026-27 and will bring the total number of trades-training seats available at TRU to nearly 2,400 this year.

"For people who want to build a good life in the Thompson-Okanagan, access to training close to home matters," said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "These new seats will help more people interested in the trades and apprentices build practical skills for rewarding careers. They will also strengthen the workforce that communities and employers need to build homes, infrastructure and B.C's future."

Government is investing $241 million over three years to train people in British Columbia for in-demand jobs, helping more people take advantage of opportunities by getting trained and moving onto job sites quicker.

"At this time of extraordinary economic uncertainty and indefensible U.S. tariffs, our government is focused on supporting our people, communities and businesses," said Adrian Dix, acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. "We are making significant investments in skilled trades for workers we need to build the major infrastructure projects happening in B.C. Through our Look West strategy, more British Columbians are being equipped with skills to take advantage of the economic opportunities that will support their families and their communities."

Benefits of adding more skilled-trades training spaces

The new trades-training seats will:

  • reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs, helping workers complete their training sooner
  • introduce more young people and career changers to skilled-trades pathways
  • increase training capacity in high-demand occupations, including automotive service technician, carpenter, construction craft worker, construction electrician, heavy mechanical trades, industrial mechanic (millwright), instrumentation and control technician, plumber, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, saw filer and welder

Building the workforce B.C. needs

Major projects and growing industries in construction, clean energy, mining and advanced technology need skilled people. Expanding training at TRU connects a practical pathway for people with the workforce needs of employers and communities throughout British Columbia, including in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

Supporting economic opportunity in Thompson-Okanagan region

Training closer to home can make it easier for people to begin and continue an apprenticeship, while helping the region develop the skilled workforce needed for local projects and services, ensuring the region is well positioned to advance B.C.'s priorities under the Look West economic strategy.

Quotes:

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA, Vernon-Lumby -

"We need more skilled tradespeople in the province and the region, and TRU is a key local training site for young people and others to get the skills that will help them get great jobs. Skilled tradespeople can benefit from the opportunities available today and into the future with all of the new major projects ahead, and be able to build a good life in this province."

Steve Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development -

"People across every region of British Columbia want clear pathways to good careers, and employers need skilled workers. By adding training seats at TRU, we are helping more people in the Interior learn close to home, move forward in the trades and build a future in their communities."

Airini, president and vice-chancellor, Thompson Rivers University -

"As British Columbia's leading dual-sector research university, TRU unifies skilled trades, academic programs and research. Through use-inspired education and research, we create solutions for our communities and economy. This investment will create more opportunities for students to pursue careers in skilled trades close to home while strengthening the workforce capacity that supports our province's long-term success."

Colin Szoo, student, electrician program -

"TRU's a great school. My teacher is very nice and knowledgeable, and the people in my class are helpful as well. We study together in groups. The biggest factor is the community everybody is working together toward the same goal. It's pretty awesome. There are many different paths you can take after earning your Red Seal."

Learn More:

For more information

Government of British Columbia

www2.gov.bc.ca


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