Much of this development boom is in the north, where there is an emerging shortage of carpenters, millwrights, electricians, heavy equipment operators and pipefitters – to name but a few.

B.C.’s industry training system is working hard to meet the demand. Nearly 8,760 Certificates of Qualification were awarded by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) for the 2011-12 year.

This is the highest number of certificates awarded since the ITA was established in 2004 and represents a 20 per cent increase over 2010-11.

Currently, the province invests more than $100 million annually through the ITA to support skilled trades training and certification.

The ITA provides more than 100 apprenticeship training programs in B.C., including more than 40 Red Seal trades.

More than 30,000 men and women are now in trades training in B.C.

Greater participation by under-represented groups in the trades will contribute to addressing the skills shortage.

Since 2008, ITA initiatives have helped hundreds of women, immigrants and Aboriginal people access trades training.

Meeting the challenge will require more employers discovering the “apprentice advantage” and choosing to become a sponsor of the next generation of our best and brightest. The business case for apprenticeship is compelling – according to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, the average return on investment for every dollar spent on apprenticeship training is $1.47.

In addition, the B.C. Government is extending the Training Tax Credit to 2014, giving employers who hire apprentices refundable tax credits and providing apprentices with personal income tax credits.

The stereotype that the trades are for those who can’t get into university is seriously out-dated.

As parents and educators, we need to convey a new narrative to our young people that speaks to the pride and potential of a career in the trades.

Our future depends on it.

Kevin Evans is the CEO of the Industry Training Authority. He is responsible for the governance, expansion and improvement of B.C.’s industry training system. He was appointed CEO in October 2007.

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