British Columbia adds 64 skilled‑trades seats at Vancouver Island University

The British Columbia government announced on 24 July 2026 that 64 new skilled‑trades training seats will be added to Vancouver Island University (VIU) for the 2026‑27 academic year. The seats are split between 48 positions for recreational‑vehicle (RV) technician apprentices and 16 for carpentry apprentices, raising VIU’s total trade‑training capacity to 1,550 seats.

The expansion is part of the province’s $241 million Look West strategy, which aims to provide 5,000 additional trades‑training seats across all regions in 2026‑27. Minister of Post‑Secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner said the investment will help meet demand from major construction and transportation projects, reduce apprenticeship wait‑lists, and keep students “close to home.” VIU interim dean of trades Jessie Chalmers highlighted industry‑driven need for RV‑technician skills, noting the trade combines electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry work.

Local MLA George Anderson welcomed the move, emphasizing that more seats will enable young people on Vancouver Island to earn good‑paying jobs without leaving the community.