BCCA Celebrates Two Decades of Connecting Job-Ready Candidates with BC’s Construction Industry
For 20 years, BCCA’s STEP program has connected employers across BC with thousands of job-ready candidates, shaping over 13,500 careers and the future of the construction industry.
VICTORIA, BC (October 5, 2026) – BCCA is excited to announce that 2026 – 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the Skilled Trades Employment Program, known as STEP, which connects motivated candidates with construction employers across British Columbia.
The program aims to equip motivated candidates with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to pursue careers in construction. Since its inception, the program has served almost 16,000 individuals, placed over 13,500 people into trades jobs for over 5,000 employers across BC, including approximately 2,800 who identified as Indigenous, 2,500 women, 2,050 new Canadians, and 9,500 youth, setting them up for lifelong success.
The growth, success, and leadership of program participants is a testament to the program’s success as the foundation of thousands of careers in the trades.
“For 20 years, STEP has been opening doors to careers in construction and helping thousands of British Columbians build a future in the skilled trades,” said Chris Atchison, President of the BC Construction Association. “We’re incredibly proud of what STEP has accomplished and the lasting impact it has had on people, employers, and communities throughout BC.”
STEP has been key in addressing skilled labour shortages in construction, helping employers find the people they need. The program helps employers in their hiring process, providing pre- and post-placement support, connecting them to job-ready skilled workers, and improving workforce retention by continuing to support employees post-placement.
“Construction employers need skilled, motivated people, and STEP helps make those connections happen,” said Atchison. “STEP provides ongoing supports to ensure workers succeed on the job, while ensuring employers have access to the strong workforce British Columbians depend on.”
BCCA is proud to steward this program as a successful workforce solution for BC’s construction industry and is excited to commemorate two decades of growth and progress in shaping the careers of thousands across the province.
Over the course of the next few months, BCCA will be highlighting some of the participants who have pursued meaningful careers in the trades, and employers who have filled critical workforce needs through the STEP program. The STEP Stories 20-Year Special edition will highlight participants who have found a rewarding, meaningful career over the past two decades through STEP as a testament to the program’s success. Visit https://stepbc.ca/about/step-20th-anniversary/ to see how STEP continues to make a difference in BC’s construction industry.
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About the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA): BCCA is a non-partisan and non-profit organization, working with four Regional Construction Associations to serve more than 10,000 employers in the province’s industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential multi-unit construction industry regardless of labour affiliation. BCCA advocates on behalf of employers, so BC’s construction sector remains productive and resilient.
For more information about STEP: visit: https://stepbc.ca
For more information about BCCA, visit: https://bccassn.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Greg Descantes
gdescantes@pacegroup.com
604.646.3564
