April 02, 2026
April 2026 is Construction and Skilled Trades Month in BC. This year's theme, "Working Together to Build BC", is meant to acknowledge and honour the important contributions of over 28,000 businesses and more than 250,000 trades professionals employed by BC's construction industry. This includes a diverse group of contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, engineers, and a host of other service providers that create jobs and contribute to local and provincial economies. Some of the benefits to BC residents include, but are not limited to:
According to WorkBC's 2025-2035 Construction Industry Profile, over 87,000 job openings are expected in the BC construction sector through to 2035. With an aging population and increasing provincial and federal government infrastructure investments, now is a very good time for high-school students, young and older adults, to consider a trades career for the following reasons:
Today, working trades professionals have easy access to a wide variety of short courses and professional development programs created by BC's post-secondary institutes. The BC government's TradeUpBC program provides experienced tradespersons working in construction and other industry sectors with easy access to a wide variety of short courses and professional development programs created by BC's post-secondary institutes. These courses help trades professionals keep up with rapidly changing workplace demands, advance their current careers, or prepare for a career change.
There are several construction industry-oriented events planned for April in BC. The following is a list of some events that may be of interest to new and experienced trades professionals:
April 8-10 - BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Annual Convention
The largest gathering of the forest sector in Western Canada brings together leaders from across the industry supply chain and promotes collaboration among First Nations, government, industry and local government leaders on the path forward.
April 15 - Skills Canada BC Provincials
An annual, province-wide competition and educational showcase promoting skilled technology. Students compete for medals in electrical, carpentry, culinary, arts, robotics and other trades. Provincial winners will compete against winners from other provinces in the national in Toronto in May.
April 16 - Vancouver Career Fair and Training Expo
Hosted at the Pan Pacific Vancouver, this event connects job seekers with hiring managers, including opportunities in the trades.
April 16 - British Columbia Construction Roundtable (BCCR)
Monthly Breakfast presentation "Building Meaningful Partnerships with Indigenous Nations" featuring panelists from industry and First Nations.
April 16 - SICA New Member Breakfast
Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) event celebrating Construction Month.
April 17 - VICA Leadership in Construction Summit
One-day gathering for Vancouver Island industry leaders, the Summit explores leadership, workforce challenges, innovation, procurement, market trends, development, and policy.
April 23-24 - Future of Work 2026
An Annual 2-day conference focused on people and technology. Held at a working Pitt Meadows-based fabrication shop.
April 28 - Jill of All Trades™
A one-day event in Kelowna to inspire young women in Grades 9-12 to pursue education and careers in the skilled trades and through apprenticeship programs.
April 28-29 - Canadian Collaborative Contracts Conference
An inaugural conference by Infrastructure BC focused on project delivery, procurement, and collaboration at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
April 30-May 1 - Concrete BC Convention
A two-day conference for those involved in making, transporting, applying, and/or finishing concrete and concrete-based products. The conference will focus on professional development and provide an outlook on current and future industry trends.