Exploring new skills starts with curiosity — yesterday’s conversations at Windermere Secondary School were a great reminder of that.
We spent time with two Grade 10 classes discussing skilled trades pathways, hands-on learning, and the evolving job market. Students brought thoughtful questions and enthusiasm to the workshop, and each left with a unique piece of jewellery they created themselves.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of these moments as young people explore where their interests and skills can take them.
We’re proud to celebrate our board member, Tamara Pongracz, on being recognized with a 2026 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Education, Training & Development.
Tamara’s decades-long commitment to creating pathways into the skilled trades, especially for women, Indigenous youth, and underrepresented groups, has made a lasting impact across BC and beyond. Her leadership, advocacy, and passion for trades education continue to inspire all of us.
Congratulations, Tamara, on this well-deserved recognition!!
The Coast Capital Road to Red Seal team is dedicated to helping apprentices achieve their certification goals.
Hearing firsthand how this program is helping people move closer to their goals is truly inspiring. Sometimes, the right support can make all the difference in turning aspirations into reality.
#RedSealCertified
Join our free webinar to start building your future in the trades. ⤵︎
If you are new to Canada and curious about careers in the trades, this free webinar will introduce pathways to training, apprenticeships, and trade certification.
Whether you already have experience or are just getting started, you will learn about opportunities available to you in BC.
Register for free today ➝ Click the link in our bio
#SkilledTradesBC
One of the workshops we hosted at the Four Directions Alternative Program brought together 10 Indigenous youth for a hands-on introduction to skilled trades pathways.
We started the day by exploring what careers in the trades can look like and the opportunities they can open up. From there, it was straight into action.
Participants worked together to build a picnic table with benches from start to finish. There’s something so powerful about learning by doing, and watching confidence build alongside these projects.
It was an inspiring day in Kamloops shaped by collaboration and hands-on learning.
There were moments when Mark wasn’t sure he would achieve his dream of becoming Red Seal certified.
With support from the Coast Capital Road to Red Seal Program and steady guidance from Learning Support Catalysts Valerie and Amy, he kept showing up for himself and stayed focused on his goals.
In January, his persistence paid off. Mark passed his exam and earned his certification.
His advice: Don’t give up, and never be afraid to ask for help.
#RedSealCertified
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: Training Funds for the Skilled Trades
We’re pleased to announce that applications for CFBC’s training funds are now open as of May 1, 2026. These opportunities are designed to support individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades. If you or someone in your network could benefit from financial support for training, now is the time to apply!
Available opportunities include:
• Western Joint Electrical Training Society Leadership Grant
• ECABC Jack Funk Scholarship
• John Cunningham Bursary
• Mott Electric GP Women in Electrical Fund
• Timber Wolf Legacy Fund
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
Applicants Notified By: August 31, 2026
Learn more and submit your application through the CFBC website under “Grant Seekers” → https://cfbc.ca
Last week, professionals from across BC came together for the Women in Trades Meetup in Trail.
During a roundtable discussion, each person shared their journey through the trades. There was honesty, encouragement, and a real sense of community in the room.
Spaces like this matter.
It was incredible to connect with such a diverse group of skilled and driven individuals. From apprentices to seasoned professionals, every story added something meaningful to the conversation.
We’re grateful to be part of a community that continues to lift each other up and create space for the next generation of women in trades.
The momentum is growing every day.
#WomenInTrades
Pipefitting, connection, and new beginnings — that’s what WE-CAN-DAY in Victoria was all about!
In partnership with UA Local 324, we spent the evening with #immigrants and newcomers exploring careers in the skilled #trades in Canada. From a facility tour and conversations with union members to crafting copper hearts, the event was full of learning, connection, and pride in hands-on work.
A big thank you to UA Local 324 for their support and for opening their doors to our community.
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Missed the event? Check our #WelcomeExchange event calendar at https://loom.ly/2N8rBGw and stay tuned for more upcoming opportunities!
LJ’s interest in the trades began with a curiosity about manufacturing, particularly how aftermarket car parts are made. With a passion for cars and racing, that curiosity naturally led him toward machining.
Like many apprentices, LJ faced setbacks while working toward his Red Seal, and repeated exam attempts began to take a toll. Through the Coast Capital Road to Red Seal program, he connected with a support system that included his Learning Support Catalyst, Jani Martinius. For the first time, he wasn’t navigating the process alone. With steady guidance, structure, and encouragement, he rebuilt both his skills and his confidence.
After 11 years of persistence, LJ successfully passed his Red Seal exam.
Click “Stories of Impact” in our bio to read the full article.
TRAIL TRADE CAMP | DAY 2 ⚒️
We’re kicking things off at the Trail Trade Camp with a strong focus on getting comfortable with power tools.
While the technical skills are important, the most meaningful transformations often happen on a personal level. Many participants arrive hesitant or intimidated, especially if they’ve never seen themselves represented in these spaces before. But over just a few days, you see that uncertainty shift significantly. By the second day, the girls form meaningful friendships, use power tools confidently, and discover trades as an outlet for creative expression.
Watching that confidence build in real time is one of the program’s most powerful outcomes.
#WomenInTrades
TRAIL TRADE CAMP | DAY 1 🎥
Our all-girl trade camp in Trail is officially underway! Students spent the day getting formative hands-on experiences in a variety of trade disciplines. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish this week.
#womenintrades #bc
