VCC’s Dean of Trades, Technology, and Design on the value of a career in trades
In sectors ranging from transportation and manufacturing to construction and clean energy, skilled trades professionals offer long-term career opportunities across B.C. and the rest of Canada.
Across B.C. and the rest of Canada, skilled tradespersons are needed for a variety of specialized tasks and services that we all rely on every day. From transportation, manufacturing, and industrial to construction and services, trades careers can offer long-term stability.
We still see the outdated perceptions of the trades
The outdated stigma surrounding the trades industry can play a part, says Lucy Griffith, the Dean of the School of Trades, Technology and Design at Vancouver Community College.
“For years, many received the message that university was the preferred route for a successful career,” she shares. “As a result, some still aren’t aware of the opportunities available in the trades.”
Griffith also points out that negative perceptions can be based on outdated assumptions -ones that say trades are low-skilled, dangerous, and primarily suited to men. The reality couldn’t be more opposite.
A sustainable career choice
“Modern trades are highly technical and increasingly involve advanced diagnostics, digital tools, automation, sustainable technologies, and complex problem-solving,” she explains.
Griffith gives the example of VCC’s construction and automotive programs, which “hone in on skills such as emerging technologies, AI, and clean energy as part of students’ training.”
At the same time, the trades can often provide more sustainable career options, skipping out on current challenges plaguing other industries. Many workers are less impacted by student debt and the possibility of jobs being automated by AI.
Instead, Griffith points to increased demand from major infrastructure investments, technological change, and the retirement of experienced tradespeople. Believe it or not, the trades are actually evolving alongside AI, rather than being replaced by it.
To maintain the technology and infrastructure supporting AI, we need the expertise skilled tradespeople provide.
“Many trades also offer a clear pathway from training to employment, with opportunities to earn while completing an apprenticeship,” she says, while adding, “These are practical, transferable skills that cannot easily be outsourced or replaced by automation.”
Trades work is varied, collaborative, and connected to a clear purpose
With B.C. and Canadian governments both boosting funding for trades, Griffith notes strong long-term earning potential and stable employment contracts as key draws for the industry, with some experienced professionals earning six-figure salaries.
“Trades offer the satisfaction of creating, repairing, or improving something tangible and seeing the results of your work, and for many people, offer an appealing alternative to spending every day at a desk while still providing opportunities to work with sophisticated technology,” she says.
“Think about the satisfaction you’d feel from creating, repairing or improving something tangible and seeing the fruits of your labour come to life — whether that’s maintaining critical clean energy infrastructure, helping construct new buildings across tech city or solving technical challenges.”
So clearly there are many positive draws to the trades career path. Now, it’s about finding a school that sets students up on a path to success.
Cue VCC. Combining technical instruction and hands-on learning in environments that reflect the true workplace, the school works tirelessly to ensure programs are relevant and connect to employment opportunities.
What’s needed for a career in trades?
“Our instructors bring current industry knowledge into the classroom and help students understand both the technical and professional expectations of their chosen field,” Griffith says. The college works closely with local employers, industry associations, and SkilledTradesBC to ensure programs remain relevant and connected to employment opportunities.
What makes VCC stand out from other schools is its long history of educating skilled workers and its extremely accurate work environments. Opportunities to work in real-world settings or undertake industry work placements ensure that students gain experience with current workplace practices and the latest technologies in use.
“We have real commercial kitchens and restaurants serving guests, busy salons welcoming clients, and automotive service bays where students work on customers’ vehicles and diagnose real problems,” Griffith highlights.
It’s not all about developing occupational skills, though, says Griffith. It’s also about giving students the confidence to succeed. That also looks like problem-solving ability, teamwork, and the adaptability needed for long-term success.
Cementing our future
At the moment, trades professionals are particularly important for our future. Students entering the industry can contribute directly to some of Canada’s most important priorities, including housing, infrastructure, transportation and the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
“There has never been a more exciting time to enter the trades. Students can build meaningful careers while helping shape the future of their communities and the province,” says Griffith.
Are you ready to help build the future? Visit the Vancouver Community College website to explore where a career in the trades could take you.
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