Vancouver, B.C. – October 17, 2025 – Nearly 300 students gathered last week for the Bring Trades to Schools (BTS) Trade Fair, hosted by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) in partnership with Home Depot Pro. The event gave students hands-on experience in carpentry, masonry, electrical, mechanical, ironwork, and heavy equipment operation simulation with guidance from industry experts.
Now in its second year, the BTS program has grown from just 15 students to almost 300, and included students from across five school districts (Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Delta School Districts) and three alternative learning programs (Spectrum, Delta Manor Education Center, and Suwa’lkh School) – a sign of growing interest in the trades at a critical time for the construction sector. According to BuildForce Canada, British Columbia will need to recruit more than 60,000 construction workers by 2034 to keep up with demand but is still expected to face a shortfall of more than 22,700 skilled workers.
Several provincial representatives attended the event to show their support, including:
- George Chow (B.C. NDP, MLA for Vancouver – Fraserview and Parliamentary Secretary for the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown)
- Sunita Dhir (B.C. NDP, MLA for Vancouver – Langara and Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials)
- Lynne Block (B.C. Conservatives, MLA for West Vancouver – Capilano and the Official Opposition Critic for Education, Arts, Culture, and Film)
- Lawrence Mok (B.C. Conservatives, MLA for Maple Ridge East and the Official Opposition Critic for Skills Training & International Credentials)
“VRCA’s goal with this event is to create a pipeline of future talent,” said Jeannine Martin, President of the VRCA. “Part of addressing the construction labour shortage issue is positioning the trades as a high-potential career path. Our members generously volunteered their time, expertise, equipment, and knowledge to show students a range of possibilities – from working directly with tools, to entrepreneurship and management. The construction industry offers something for everyone.”
The BTS event’s success underscores the power of collaboration in shaping the next generation of builders. By connecting students, educators, industry leaders, and government representatives, VRCA is helping to build not just careers – but the foundation for a stronger, more resilient construction industry.
About VRCA
Since 1928, VRCA has been the voice of British Columbia’s construction sector. We connect, educate, and advocate for members across all disciplines, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable industry. With over 1,000 members, VRCA facilitates collaboration among General and Trade Contractors, Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Professional Services providers to drive innovation, growth, and excellence in B.C.’s built environment. Learn more at www.vrca.ca.