Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP)

Finding reliable, job-ready workers has become one of the biggest challenges for construction businesses in British Columbia. With skilled labour shortages continuing across the province, many employers are looking for ways to hire faster without sacrificing fit or quality. The Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) helps address this gap by connecting construction employers with motivated, trained, and ready-to-work candidates at no cost.

Delivered by the BC Construction Association, STEP acts as a construction-specific HR support service for small and medium-sized businesses. Employers are matched with pre-screened candidates based on their hiring needs, including entry-level and first-year apprenticeship roles across recognized construction trades. STEP’s Regional Employment Placement Specialists work one-on-one with both employers and candidates, handling pre-screening and providing follow-up support after placement to help ensure a strong, lasting match. Candidates referred through the program are assessed for job readiness and may already have essential safety training, tools, and work gear, reducing onboarding time for employers.

For BC construction companies looking to grow their workforce while saving time and recruitment costs, STEP offers a practical, non-repayable form of support that goes beyond traditional hiring channels. Exploring the full program details can help determine how this service fits into your workforce planning strategy.