The recently released 2026 British Columbia Budget includes major investments aimed at expanding career opportunities across the province, with a strong focus on skills and trades training.
The budget earmarks $283 million over three years to help train more people for well-paid, in-demand jobs. This includes funding to double apprenticeship seats, support employer training grants, and increase access to programs in areas such as engineering, biology and computer science.
Post-secondary institutions like Thompson Rivers University (TRU) are positioned to benefit from this investment, using new resources to build programs that match employer needs and help learners gain real-world skills.
For communities like Surrey, which is growing rapidly both in population and industry, these commitments offer a pathway for residents — especially young people and career changers — to secure rewarding work without leaving the region. Expanded training options also support local employers looking for skilled talent in construction, health care, clean technology and more.
This focus on skills development reflects a broader effort by policymakers to connect education, business and community needs, and to make sure local economies can thrive in the years ahead.
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