When it comes to trades training and education, there’s no one-size-fits-all pathway to success. Whether you’re an apprentice, a journeyperson, or considering a future pathway in the trades, we hope these stories will engage and inspire you to achieve your goals.
Discover how experienced skilled trades professionals in British Columbia are advancing their careers through upskilling, specialized training, and micro-credentials.
These success stories highlight tradespeople who have strengthened their technical expertise, leadership skills, and business knowledge to stay competitive in evolving industries.
See how ongoing professional development and industry-focused training have helped skilled workers expand opportunities, increase earning potential, and take the next step in their trades careers. Let their experiences inspire your own path to career growth in the skilled trades
Latherer and Latherer Program Instructor
Mario Galdones began his apprenticeship as a latherer 20 years ago and quickly discovered a passion for the trades. Today, as an instructor and workforce development leader, he continues to advocate for continuous training, adaptability, and inclusivity to help strengthen the future of the industry.
Read Mario's StoryPlumber and Business Owner
Mahara Gibson-Zeinoun became a Red Seal plumber at just 23 after starting her apprenticeship through a high school dual credit program. Today, as the owner and CEO of Princess Plumbing, she continues to invest in ongoing training to grow her business and stay ahead in an evolving industry.
Read Mahara's StoryChef, Cafe Owner, and Catering Company Owner
After 15 years as a Red Seal chef, Jean Jacques Kabuya launched his own catering company and cafe, but quickly realized he needed more than culinary skills to succeed. Through leadership training and flexible courses, he built the tools to manage a thriving business.
Read Jean Jacques' 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 Story
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 STORYTradeUpBC offers a wide range of trades-related courses, including construction skills training, manufacturing and industrial courses, transportation and marine trades programs, sustainability and renewable energy training, and professional development microcredentials.
