August 13, 2025
The manufacturing industry has long been a vital contributor to the provincial economy. Beginning in the latter half of the 19th century, its roots in the red clay and sandy loam of British Columbia were initially tied to resource extraction, such as forestry and mining. Over time, the sector has grown and diversified, expanding into food processing, shipbuilding, aerospace, and other advanced technologies that support the needs of a growing population and increasing demands for infrastructure development in BC and beyond.
Today, manufacturing is BC's most diverse industry sector with globally acknowledged strengths in wood and paper products, food and beverage, and metal fabrication. It is responsible for 50 per cent of all BC exports, contributes about $18 billion to the provincial GDP, supports 20,000 businesses and 170,000 jobs, and is projected to create over 50,000 new career openings over the next decade. A strong emphasis on innovation, the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques, and a skilled workforce are considered key to its continued growth.
Consistent with BC's other trades sectors, rapid technological advancements are transforming the tools made available to manufacturing trades professionals, resulting in an ongoing need to acquire the skills to operate them. Meanwhile, so-called "soft skills"—critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, problem solving and interpersonal communication—have become more important than ever for those working in an economy that requires collaboration across a wide variety of sectors.
With this in mind, the BC Government's TradeUpBC (TUBC) program provides experienced tradespeople and those who employ them with easy access to ongoing short courses, professional development, and certificate programs offered by 17 post-secondary institutes in BC. The courses are specially designed to meet the needs of trades professionals working in seven identified trades sectors and curated into seven unique subject areas: Business Skills, Changes in Technology, Climate Change, Educators Training, Healthy & Safe Workplaces, Inclusive Workplaces, and Leadership Skills.
There are currently 83 courses listed for manufacturing trades professionals and their employers. The content is refreshed frequently, so those interested in advancing their current career, keeping up with rapidly changing workplace demands, or preparing for a career change should visit the TUBC website regularly.
In the meantime, here are four excellent Leadership Courses with online learning availability offered by Coast Mountain College.
Leadership & Influence
Coast Mountain College – View Course Details
Equity and Accessibility in the Workplace Series
Coast Mountain College – View Course Details
Conflict Resolution
Coast Mountain College – View Course Details
Communication Strategies
Coast Mountain College – View Course Details