BC Expanding Skilled-Trades Training in Okanagan
June 15, 2026
- Okanagan College adding 256 new trades training seats in 2026/27
- B.C. is adding 5,000 trades training seats across every region in 2026/27
- B.C. is investing a historic $241 million over three years to train British Columbians for in-demand trades jobs
- The province will also increase efforts to boost opportunities in the aerospace and maritime sectors
Okanagan College will receive 256 new skilled-trades training seats as part of the Look West strategy commitment to deliver 5,000 new trades training seats in 2026-27.
This expansion will help people train in programs in trades leading to good-paying jobs that support the region and the province’s fast-growing economy.
“With more than $88 billion in proposed projects across British Columbia, we are ensuring young people can build a good life here in the Okanagan and across the province,” said Premier David Eby. “By boosting skilled-trades training, we’re making sure British Columbians are first in line for jobs and career opportunities ahead.”
Expanding skilled-trades training capacity, reducing wait lists
The new seats will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs, introduce more young people to trades and increase training capacity in high-demand careers, including:
- construction and housing
- critical minerals
- automotive
- manufacturing
- clean energy
Aligning B.C.’s workforce, education and industrial objectives
Major projects in clean energy, critical minerals, construction and transportation are driving demand for skilled workers throughout the province.
As part of the Look West strategy, the B.C. government is making sure British Columbians can be first in line for in-demand jobs in the aerospace and maritime sectors.
Two tables will be set up to convene senior leaders from industry, key post-secondary and training partners, and organized labour to provide strategic insight into workforce needs, capability gaps and emerging opportunities within the sector. They will also receive feedback from employers about what is working well and where improvements can be made.
Kelowna is B.C.’s third-largest aerospace hub, home to approximately 18% of the province’s aerospace companies. The sector relies on skilled-trades workers such as sheet-metal mechanics, welders and electricians. These occupations are also in demand across construction, maritime and natural-resource industries.
A partnership between Okanagan College and the BPL Legacy Foundation/KF Aerospace is enabling construction of a new aerospace training facility. Once complete, it will expand aircraft maintenance-engineer program capacity from 64 to 144 students per year by 2028.
With expanded programming at Okanagan College and a strong aircraft maintenance and manufacturing base, Kelowna is well-positioned to support B.C.’s priorities under the Canadian Defence Industrial Strategy. Local companies such as KF Aerospace, CAE and TerraSense Analytics are already active in defence-related work, creating opportunities in aircraft maintenance, advanced manufacturing, remote sensing and artificial intelligence.
“Expanding access to skilled-training opportunities across B.C., including here in the Okanagan, means more British Columbians will gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs in the communities they call home,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “By preparing British Columbians for in-demand careers, we are supporting key Look West priority industries, strengthening local communities and building a resilient economy that all of B.C. can benefit from.”
Learn More:
- To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
- Read about the Look West skilled-trades investment: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PSFS0052-001123
- Learn about the updates to the Look West updates: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0020-000479
- To learn more about skilled-trades training and opportunities, go to: strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/skilled-trades-training/
