BCCSA donates $100,000 to strengthen BC’s construction workforce

The BC Construction Safety Alliance has contributed $100,000 to Honour the Work, a national program that introduces elementary school students to skilled trades careers.

The contribution from the alliance’s Research, Development, and Opportunity Fund brings industry support for the program to more than $202,000 since its B.C. launch through a partnership between the British Columbia Construction Association and the BC Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association.

The funding will support the program’s expansion across B.C., providing hands-on activities and educational resources for elementary students.

The construction association says the initiative aims to raise awareness of trades careers as the province’s construction industry faces worker shortages.

“Building a strong construction workforce requires investment at all levels of the skilled trades,” said Chris Atchison, President, the BC Construction Association.

“Honour the Work is helping young British Columbians see the value, opportunity and pride that come with a career in the skilled trades.”

With continued demand for skilled workers across BC’s construction industry, attracting young people into construction is essential to the industry’s long-term success. Sustained investment in early exposure and career awareness will help ensure BC has the skilled workforce needed to deliver projects for generations to come.

“Our industry knows that building a strong safety culture and a strong workforce starts with education and awareness,” said Mike McKenna, Executive Director, BCCSA.

Continued collaboration between government, educators and industry will be essential to expanding the reach of initiatives like Honour the Work.

“Investments like this are about more than supporting a single initiative. They’re about investing in the future of our industry and the people who will build British Columbia in the decades ahead,” said Jeannine Martin, President, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association.

Industry partners had raised more than $102,000 before the alliance’s contribution.

More information about the British Columbia Construction Association can be found at bccassn.com