Kwantlen Polytechnic University expands skilled-trades programs as part of B.C.’s $241-million investment to address labour shortages. The expansion aims to reduce wait lists and prepare workers for in-demand careers in construction, electrical work and industrial trades.
By Harnaik Singh Rathor | July 28, 2026
Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey is receiving 462 new skilled-trades training seats this year, bringing its total capacity to 1,762 seats. The expansion is part of British Columbia’s Look West strategy, which aims to add 5,000 trades-training seats across the province in 2026-27 through a $241-million three-year investment. The move responds to growing labour demand in the Lower Mainland, one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions.
The new training spaces will help reduce wait lists for apprenticeship programs in construction electrical trades, industrial mechanics, plumbing, construction craft work and parts technology—occupations essential to building homes and infrastructure. By expanding capacity at KPU, the province says it can get workers trained faster and connect them with employers actively seeking skilled personnel.
Surrey’s rapid growth has created significant demand for skilled workers, particularly as major provincial projects like the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain advance. Government officials emphasize that trades careers offer good-paying opportunities and stable employment, especially as automation reshapes other sectors. “These new seats at KPU will help more people access trades training closer to home,” said Minister Jessie Sunner in a statement.
KPU President Diane Purvey said the funding provides institutional certainty during economic uncertainty and enables the university to respond to labour-market demands. First-year apprentice Brandon Payne noted that employers are actively recruiting talent, with “tremendous demand in the industry for skilled tradespeople.”
The initiative addresses a provincial challenge: filling occupational gaps while supporting community economic development. For newcomers and established residents alike, trades training offers an accessible pathway to middle-class employment without requiring four-year degrees. Government data indicates trades careers can lead to annual earnings comparable to or exceeding university-graduate salaries.
To explore skilled-trades opportunities, residents can visit strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/skilled-trades-training or contact KPU directly for program information and application deadlines.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
