The government of British Columbia (BC), Canada, has launched a new program to help experienced carpenters, iron workers and builders gain the in-demand skills needed to succeed in the growing field of mass timber innovation. Source: Panels & Furniture Asia
Investing in mass timber education supports BC’s workers through expanding the mass timber sector. It strengthens the StrongerBC Economic Plan and the province’s climate goals by supporting clean growth and renewable resources.
“We are investing in new post-secondary training for students to become leaders in mass timber construction, which will help people succeed and be future ready in a sector that is setting the example of how to build a better British Columbia for all,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
“We’re also investing in student housing and projects that involve mass timber at post-secondary institutions, including providing CA$108.8 million toward BCIT’s new Tall Timber Student Housing, which is currently under construction.”
At the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Applied Mass Timber Build open house, Kang announced $250,000 to support BCIT to develop additional programming, building on the success of the new construction of mass timber structures associate certificate.
“This program is a game changer for our construction industry and our growing mass timber sector here in BC,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This investment will help ensure BC has enough workers with the right skills to build our buildings of the future – providing clean, inclusive, sustainable economic development in every corner of the province.”
According to a press release by the government of BC, the construction of mass timber structures associate certificate is a part-time, blended six-month programme. It is delivered online, with a two-week practicum at the BCIT Burnaby campus, where students gain hands-on installation experience with mass timber structures. A cohort of 12-24 students will start in January 2023.
The growing mass timber sector will support more than 4,000 jobs in manufacturing, technology, forestry, design and engineering, and bring new jobs to communities throughout the province.
The mass timber sector will promote new technologies and approaches to further support existing jobs, with a projected worth of Can$403m by 2035.
“As the largest provider of trades training in Western Canada, it’s critical that BCIT is delivering relevant, hands-on training to help learners master in-demand skills, while contributing toward an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact,” said Wayne Hand, dean, BCIT’s school of construction and the environment.
“This investment from the province of British Columbia allows more trades professionals in upskilling to advance mass timber innovation, clean-energy solutions, as well as the economic prosperity of BC.”
