The College of the BC Building Trades has launched a Trade Ambassador program aimed at attracting more high school students to the construction industry.

Approximately 2,500 students have participated in workshops within the first three months of the program, which started in September and has received positive feedback from teachers and students.

The program was developed by B.C. Building Trades (BCBT) director of workforce development Layne Clark and uses young volunteers already working in the building trades to speak to students across British Columbia.

The ambassadors are from a cross-section of the trades and many are in the process of completing their apprenticeships with many women volunteers.

.The Trades Ambassador program was developed with the input of BCBT affiliates and trades teachers across the high school system. It’s tailored to reach Grade 10 students but is also meant to educate the public generally about the respect and prestige that comes along with skilled trades, said Clark.

There has been overwhelmingly positive feedback from teachers and students and Clark estimates the program will reach approximately 5,000 students by the end of the school year.

The program also provides valuable leadership experience for young BCBT members. The volunteers, who received training at four different College of the BC Building Trades schools, were also coached in public speaking. They will have ongoing support as they go into schools and present a workshop that broadly introduces students to construction, the apprenticeship process and the 22 trades.