Kootenay residents to receive tuition-free carpentry training

A new federal funding program is launching a tuition-free carpentry training project for up to 16 residents in the Kootenays. Funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the Industry-Ready Carpentry Foundation project aims to address the high demand for skilled trades in British Columbia.

WorkBC projects more than 10,000 carpentry job openings in the province between 2025 and 2035. The program will be delivered by the Kootenay Career Development Society in partnership with Selkirk College. Participants will receive carpentry training, industry-recognized certifications—including first aid, WHMIS, forklift operation, and fall protection—tools, and financial supports for eligible individuals.

The initiative also includes a six-week paid work placement with a local employer. Recruitment is currently underway, with training scheduled to begin on August 31 and run through May 2027.