Trades professionals are the foundation for building the future of BC, and they are in demand now more than ever. The StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan is a generational commitment to accelerating talent and skills training throughout the province.
TradeUpBC brings together British Columbia’s post-secondary institutes to help experienced tradespeople and employers remain resilient, adaptable, and inclusive by providing access to microcredentials and professional development courses. These courses will assist tradespeople and employers in advancing their careers, strengthening their businesses, creating welcoming worksites for everyone, and ensuring they are prepared for future opportunities.
TradeUpBC is a provincially-funded initiative that connects tradespeople to courses at BC post-secondary institutes.
Construction trades courses in British Columbia offering hands-on training in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and skilled trades to launch your career fast.
Environmental trades training in BC for sustainable, high-demand careers in the green economy.
Discover hair and esthetics courses at TradeUpBC offering hands on training to support career advancement in salons and spas across BC.
Learn hospitality skills through TradeUpBC courses that support career growth in service management and guest experience.
Explore manufacturing courses at TradeUpBC with hands-on training in production, safety, and industrial skills to start or grow your career in BC
Discover maritime training at TradeUpBC designed for careers in marine operations navigation and technical trades.
Find transportation trades courses at TradeUpBC supporting career growth in automotive and transportation industries.
Gain the practical skills to start, manage, and grow a successful trades business. This course covers business setup, estimating, invoicing, job tracking, finances, safety programs, insurance, taxes, financing, and marketing, with a strong focus on building ef…
“Many great tradespeople take a foreperson position and fail. Not for lack of skills or drive but simply for lack of guidance on how to be a great foreman. This 1-day course gives participants the fundamentals of field leadership, organization, crew mora…
“Develop the skills to become an effective construction foreperson. This 1-day Gold Seal Accredited course covers leadership, communication, conflict resolution, productivity, and job site management to help crews perform at their best.“
Examine the basics of current labour relations legislation in B.C. Learn how to interpret this legislation and assess its impact on workplace practices.
“Develop your leadership and teamwork skills at the operational level on board a ship. The focus of this Transport Canada approved course is on controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board.“
TradeUpBC has identified seven key areas of demand aimed at supporting certified or experienced trades workers and employers through specialized training programs. The programs offered on the TradeUpBC website are designed to complement apprentice training rather than replace it.
June 23, 2026
A $241-million investment in skilled trades training from the BC government is expected to not on…
April 13, 2026
Skilled trades professionals across British Columbia can access new leadership and business train…
April 2, 2026
April 2026 is Construction and Skilled Trades Month in BC. This year's theme, "Working Together t…
SUCCESS STORY
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Business Owner
From high school to apprentice, then certified tradesperson to business owner, Logan Henson’s journey is a great example of the power of ongoing education to advance careers and open exciting new pathways for both experienced tradespeople and the business owners who employ them.
Read Logan's Story
SUCCESS STORY
Plumber
Wallis Plumpton is kind of surprised. The 36-year-old has just entered year three of the four-year BC plumbing apprenticeship program and is excited about the future. This is a story of discovery, full of twists and turns with some surprises along the way.
Read Wallis' Story
SUCCESS STORY
Preconstruction Manager
The success of Curtis Hale can be attributed to a thirst to learn about several aspects of the construction industry and the willingness to use his training overseas. Read about how Curtis went from a carpentry apprentice to a leader in mass timber.
Read Curtis' Story
SUCCESS STORY
Business Owner
We recently conducted an on-site interview with the owner and an operations manager of a local roofing company and got a bird’s eye view of the challenges of running a business and why ongoing skills training and education is so important.
Read Thedy's Story
SUCCESS STORY
ASSOCIATE DEAN
We’re excited to share our first ever Success Story with you, and what better way to begin than with this interesting look into one man’s career journey from skilled trades professional to academia.
READ ERIC’S STORYPlumber, Instructor, Business Owner
Graham Beatty started out digging ditches after earning a degree. But through targeted training and continuous learning, he built a career as a plumber/gasfitter, an HVAC business owner, and an instructor. His story shows how upgrading your skills can open new opportunities in the trades.
Read Graham's StoryTradeUpBC is a provincially funded initiative dedicated to showcasing courses and programs at British Columbia post-secondary institutes, to make it easier for skilled tradespeople to find professional development opportunities in BC.
