As demand for skilled construction workers continues to grow across British Columbia, secondary schools are helping students explore careers in the trades through hands-on career-focused programs.
Through initiatives such as the Work in Trades and Train in Trades programs, students gain practical experience while completing their high school education often giving them a head start toward apprenticeships, industry certification, and long-term employment.
For Lizzie, a 2025 graduate of South Delta Secondary School, the Work in Trades Carpentry Program offered an alternative to traditional classroom learning and a direct path into the construction industry.
"School wasn't really for me," Lizzie said. "I thought it was better to go out to work and learn some skills than sit in a classroom all day. It's good that teachers understand that school isn't for everyone and that there are other options that can help students get ahead in their career."
In choosing carpentry as a career, Lizzie is following in the footsteps of several family members including her sister, father and grandfather. What continues to motivate her is the tangible nature of the work. "I really enjoy making things with my hands and getting to step back and see what I've created," she said.
Balancing work with academic responsibilities can be challenging, but Lizzie's efforts have paid off. She is currently employed with RAM Construction and will head to BCIT in November to continue her apprenticeship.
"My goal is to become a well-rounded Red Seal carpenter," she said. "I'd eventually like to focus on residential construction and home renovations. I'd absolutely recommend the Work in Trades program I'm enjoying work every day."
Another student building skills in the construction field is Nathan, a Grade 12 student from Burnsview Secondary School, who is participating in the Youth Train in Trades Carpentry Program. The dual credit program is offered in partnership with the Surrey School District at Frank Hurt Secondary School, with additional training at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
"I really enjoyed woodwork class and was already thinking about getting into the trades after high school," Nathan said. "When my Career Advisor mentioned the Train in Trades program, it sounded like a great fit. Learning something and then applying it right away works best for me."
Students in the program spend five months learning at Frank Hurt Secondary, followed by one month at KPU's Cloverdale campus. Beyond learning technical carpentry skills, the program emphasizes safety, professionalism, and job-readiness.
Nathan said the experience has helped him develop leadership abilities and opened a range of future career options from carpentry and project management, to becoming a shop teacher at high school. He encourages students interested in construction to consider the program. "You'll gain valuable skills that can lead to a career or even just help you with your own home projects and renovations later on."
"I think this program opens a door of possibilities that students haven't traditionally thought about when they consider what's next after high school," said Marc Andres, instructor of the Kwantlen Dual Credit Surrey Schools Carpentry program at Frank Hurt Secondary. "It offers students hours of hands-on training, which gives them a big advantage over their peers. It can also build a level of self-confidence and self-belief that they may not have experienced at school before."
Andres said many students enter the program with little or no carpentry experience but quickly see measurable progress. They get instant feedback and can see their skills developing.
A strong emphasis is also placed on workplace expectations. "We spend a lot of time creating a solid foundation in safety, including learning WorkSafe BC standards, and what it means to show up in a professional manner. I stress being on time, taking breaks as scheduled, and working hard to complete tasks within a set timeframe."
As part of that preparation, students will soon participate in two full "Work Days," beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., mirroring a typical construction shift. "It's important for students to experience what a full day on the job is really like," Andres said. "I want them to see how their bodies respond, whether they enjoy the work, and how rigorous the job can be."
Graduates of the Kwantlen Dual Credit Surrey Schools Carpentry program are consistently hired by local construction companies, highlighting its success. While the program prepares students well for a career in carpentry, Andres said the skills also have long-term value beyond the trades. "Schools do a great job developing students' cognitive skills, but practical skills like building stairs or framing a room are just as important. Even if these students don't continue in the trades, they will carry the skills they have learned in this program with them for life."
Students are currently building sheds, combining outdoor, hands-on learning with technical instruction. Once completed, the sheds will be available for purchase for the cost of materials. For more information, please contact Marc Andres at Andres_m@surreyschools.ca
"Both the Work in Trades and Train in Trades programs provide a smooth transition from school to work and a quicker route to certification in a wide range of trades. Any high school student interested in a career in the Trades should talk to their school's career advisor for more information," said Lisa Chapieski, Delta School District's Coordinator, Student Options & Opportunities.
This article appeared in the North Delta Reporter on April 30.
