Beedie Luminaries is launching a new $5.5 million trades-focused scholarship program (BUILD) for students journeying towards a career in the skilled trades.
Over the first five years of the program, the BUILD scholarship fund will assist more than 285 students. In its inaugural year, the BUILD program will select 25 students who are facing financial and other life adversities, and are wishing to pursue a rewarding career in the skilled trades. Each eligible student will receive up to $20,000 over four years – for a total commitment of up to $500,000 for the first cohort alone, including two scholarships funded by the RBC Women in Trades and Investment in Skills initiative.
The program will initially support students entering BCIT to pursue nationally designated certification programs (under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program), with plans to more than double the number of recipients in the future and expand to all 15 public post-secondary institutions offering trades programs in British Columbia.
“Skilled trades offer very rewarding careers,” said Ryan Beedie, president of Beedie. “However, there is a significant shortage of skilled workers across B.C. and Canada. We believe creating the BUILD scholarship program is an important step in addressing that critical skills gap. The program also aligns with our corporate social responsibility promise of Built for Good.”
There is also a personal connection for Beedie. “This new program is very near to my heart. My father built his first home in 1945 when he was only 19 – laying the foundation for Beedie Construction, founded in 1954 (now known simply as Beedie). To launch this new endeavour during our 70th anniversary is particularly meaningful, and we are grateful to our donors and partners, including the Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA), BCIT and RBC for investing with us in these aspiring trades people.”
Students will receive financial support for foundation training programs, each level of training, and upon completion of the Red Seal Certification. In addition, through the partnership with the Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA) each student will be connected to a business for their apprenticeship, equipping them with the skills they need to launch fulfilling careers, which are in incredibly high demand.
Applications for the 2025 cohort will open in September 2024. Eligible students can enroll in any of the following construction trade roles at BCIT, which are among the top in demand in BC:
- Carpenters
- Electricians (construction)
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Sheet Metal Workers
“As the largest trades trainer in Western Canada BCIT knows how in-demand certified tradespeople are in this province,” says BCIT president Dr. Jeff Zabudsky. “In the next 10 years, it’s estimated there will be almost 8,500 job openings for carpenters alone. Translate that demand across all trades, and you understand how critical these jobs are for the future of BC. The new Beedie Luminaries BUILD scholarship fund helps address a critical skills gap, while making a tangible difference in people’s lives as they launch new careers.”
