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Skilled Trades

Apr 28
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From Ottawa to Victoria: MCABC Advances Industry Priorities with Coordinated Advocacy

By Advocacy, Latest, News Releases, Skilled Trades

Victoria, B.C. — Advocacy is taking centre stage this spring — with MCABC’s integrated government relations strategy in full flight.

After our recent successful engagement with the City of Burnaby, the focus turned this past week to the provincial and federal levels, with MCABC leaders advancing industry priorities at MCAC’s Day on the Hill in Ottawa and MCABC’s Day on the Leg in Victoria.

 

Federal Advocacy: MCAC’s Day on the Hill

Collaboration was front and centre on Tuesday, April 21, as MCAs from across Canada gathered in Ottawa for MCAC’s Day on Parliament Hill, with industry leaders participating in more than 50 meetings with federal decision‑makers.

These meetings brought mechanical contractors together with Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior staff — including the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; the Honourable Duncan Wilson, Senator; Jenny Kwan, MP; and Parm Bains, MP — to reinforce the industry’s shared priorities at the national level.

MCABC leaders played an active role throughout the day, bringing a strong British Columbian perspective to federal discussions on the evolving needs of the industry. MCABC was represented by CEO Kim Barbero; Board Chair and MCAC Director, Kyle Wisniewski; Board Vice-Chair, Brittany Manulak; and Board Director and MCAC Women in Canadian Contracting Chair, Maddie Davidson.

 

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Provincial Advocacy: MCABC’s Day on the Leg

Building on this federal momentum, MCABC returned to Victoria for its annual Day on the B.C. Legislature on Monday, April 27, engaging directly with provincial leaders on the policies and priorities shaping B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry.

The MCABC delegation included CEO Kim Barbero and Manager of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, Conor Dunne, alongside Board Chair, Kyle Wisniewski; Vice‑Chairs Keith Pearce and Brittany Manulak; and Board Directors Steve Robinson and Simon Miller.

A Collaborative Start: BC NDP Government Breakfast

The day began with MCABC hosting a BC NDP Government Breakfast, providing an opportunity to engage directly with government cabinet ministers in a collaborative, solutions‑focused setting. In attendance were the Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure; the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour; the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions; the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction; Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity; Sunita Dhir, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials; and a number of ministry staff.

Addressing attendees, CEO Kim Barbero highlighted the essential role mechanical contractors play in British Columbia’s economy and communities. She noted that the industry accounts for more than 53,000 jobs, employs more than 25,000 skilled tradespeople, is responsible for $3 billion in wages, and contributes, directly and indirectly, $10 billion to the province’s GDP — over a quarter of construction’s total contribution — all while delivering the systems that ensure clean air and water; energy efficiency; and safe, comfortable, functional buildings across the province.

Discussions throughout the morning reflected a shared understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, with Ministers and MLAs expressing strong interest in continued collaboration to strengthen workforce capacity, uphold trade standards, and support delivery of the province’s infrastructure priorities.

Focused Ministerial Engagement

Following the breakfast, the MCABC delegation took part in a series of targeted meetings with Ministers and senior ministry staff, allowing for deeper discussion on specific policy and workforce issues impacting B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry.

During a meeting with the Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, the focus was on prompt payment and MCABC’s active role in shaping regulations that are practical, enforceable, and aligned with industry realities.

The delegation also met with the Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, as well as the Ministry of Post‑Secondary Education and Future Skills, where the emphasis was on modernizing skilled trades training, upholding trade certification scopes and standards, and workforce development solutions.
Across all meetings, there was a shared understanding of the critical role mechanical contractors play in delivering British Columbia’s housing, healthcare, and infrastructure priorities — and the need for action that supports the industry’s ability to meet growing demand.

Recognition in the Legislative Assembly

Later in the day, the MCABC delegation was formally introduced in the Legislative Assembly by the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, further recognizing the essential role mechanical contractors play in British Columbia’s communities and economy.

Overall, this year’s Day on the Leg was marked by a strong, collaborative tone. Ministers, MLAs, and ministry staff demonstrated a clear understanding of the mechanical contracting industry’s importance and a shared interest in working together to address workforce and policy challenges.

As demand for housing, healthcare, and infrastructure continues to grow across the province, MCABC remains committed to engaging with all levels of government, sharing industry expertise, and contributing to practical, long‑term solutions that support both the industry and all British Columbians.

We would like to thank the Government of B.C. for their continued engagement and collaboration, as well as our Advocacy Pillar Partner, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services, who supports our powerful advocacy program and integrated government relations strategy.

 

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About MCABC

The Mechanical Contractors Association of BC is the connection to industry excellence. We deliver education and professional development programs and services that enable high standards of professional practice and business success for mechanical contractors and their sub-trades. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, MCABC influences policy discussion and development in a sector that comprises the largest percentage of the construction industry’s skilled trades workforce. We also represent suppliers and affiliates associated with the mechanical trades and maintain strong alliances with industry manufacturers.

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Apr 22
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NextGen in Focus: Kyler Bennett

By Latest, Skilled Trades

As part of NextGen Month, NextGen in Focus: Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today highlights rising leaders across B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry—those building their careers through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous growth.

This week, we’re featuring Kyler Bennett, Apprentice Plumber at Vaughan Ventures, whose journey shows how the skilled trades foster hands-on learning and leadership growth on the path to the future he’s always envisioned.

Kyler Bennett

Apprentice Plumber, Vaughan Ventures

Plumbing has offered me so many opportunities to succeed in life. It’s given me the chance to learn skills that can provide me with the life I want.

I feel lucky to be able to step into leadership roles and shape the future of the industry, whether that be by participating in innovation or by leading the next generation of plumbers down the path of success.

Through my apprenticeship, I’ve attended training at places such as Navien and Viega to better understand the technologies we utilize to build our homes and communities. I love learning about how everybody’s day-to-day life is impacted by the water we drink and how it impacts our safety.

I’ve always wanted to have my own farm, and before becoming a tradesman it seemed like no more than a dream. These skills will allow me to build a business, and help me build something generational for my family.

More NextGen in Focus stories coming soon.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Apr 20
Love0

Recap: Skills Canada BC 2026

By Education, Latest, Skilled Trades

Abbotsford, B.C. – This past Wednesday, MCABC was at the Skills Canada BC Provincial Competition at the Abbotsford Trade and Exhibition Centre, joining students, parents, educators, and industry partners for a full day of skilled trades and technology competitions spanning everything from plumbing and refrigeration to robotics, welding, and more.

As part of  NextGen Month — an initiative focused on spotlighting emerging leaders and connecting youth to careers in mechanical contracting — MCABC staff and NextGen Board Directors were on-site engaging directly with students, sharing insight, and helping bring visibility to the opportunities within our industry.

Check out our recap video below for a closer look at the day.

Supporting the Next Generation on the Competition Floor

MCABC was proud to participate as a Competition Area Sponsor, supporting the competitions as students worked through high-pressure, real-world scenarios.

Across the floor, competitors demonstrated an impressive level of precision, technical ability, and problem-solving—often completing complex builds within just a few hours.

Congratulations to all competitors and winners. The talent and focus on display across competitions—including Plumbing, Welding, Sheet Metal, Sprinkler Fitting, and Steamfitter/Pipefitting—was a strong reflection of the future of the skilled trades in B.C.

Industry Conversations and Hands-On Learning

At the MCABC booth, students were invited to get hands-on with a ProPEX expansion tool demo led by MCABC NextGen Board Chair Scott Kenward, Senior Project Manager at Trotter & Morton Building Technologies Inc., and Vice Chair Eddie Vaughan, Head of Operations at Vaughan Ventures Ltd.

Using plastic piping, T-joints, and a ProPEX expansion tool, students assembled simple systems while learning how modern plumbing connections are made. The booth saw strong engagement throughout the day, with students asking thoughtful questions about how to get started, what different career paths can look like, and where the trades can take them.

Student curiosity was evident throughout the day. Many left with a stronger understanding of the range and variety of opportunities within mechanical contracting, and the scale of work across commercial and industrial projects.

Investing in our Industry’s Future

MCABC extends its thanks to Skills Canada BC, event organizers, volunteers, and competitors for making the day possible. On the competition floor, students demonstrated focus, skill, and pride in their craft while working under pressure, offering a powerful reminder of the talent entering the trades. Connecting with schools and institutions from across the province, and hearing directly from students as they explore their futures, reinforced the importance of continued industry engagement.

We’re proud to support initiatives like this—and look forward to being back next year.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Apr 14
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3 Questions, 3 Answers: Carly Steiman on Diversity and Growth

By Latest, Skilled Trades

The Tradeswomen Exhibit is a powerful showcase celebrating the strength, skill, and artistry of women working across the trades—and the role they play in shaping the spaces where we live and work.

MCABC was fortunate to win a framed poster from the exhibit. On March 24 we invited Red Seal electrician, and exhibit co-director, Carly Steiman, to hang it in the MCABC office—marking it as an official part of our environment and a tangible, everyday reminder of tradeswomen in the skilled trades.

While Carly was onsite, we sat down with her as part of our ongoing Three Questions, Three Answers video series.

In just a few minutes, we touched on what it really looks like when companies move beyond talk and take action, why diversity is more than a conversation—it’s a competitive advantage—and what young people should know before stepping into the trades.

Watch the full video to hear Carly’s take—and keep an eye out for more conversations in our Three Questions, Three Answers series. If you’re interested in taking part, reach out to Conor at cdunne@mcabc.org

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About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Apr 07
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NextGen in Focus: Marc Musil

By Latest, Skilled Trades

As part of NextGen Month, NextGen in Focus: Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today highlights rising leaders across B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry—those building their careers through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous growth.

This week, we’re featuring Marc Musil, Lead Hand at National Hydronics Group, whose journey reflects the impact of early exposure to the trade, strong mentorship, and steadily stepping into leadership.

Marc Musil

Lead Hand, National Hydronics Group

The mechanical contracting industry has always been part of my life. My grandfather founded National Hydronics Group, so growing up the business was never just work – it was family. Some of my earliest memories are walking through the fabrication shop and being amazed by the machinery, the noise, and the size of everything being built. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I knew I was around people who took pride in what they were creating.

After graduating high school, getting into plumbing felt like the natural next step. I started my apprenticeship and quickly learned how much skill and teamwork goes into the mechanical trades. The people I worked with early on played a big role in shaping my career. Experienced tradespeople took the time to teach me properly, share what they knew, and help me improve every day. That mentorship gave me confidence that helped build a strong foundation, both technically and professionally.

As I worked through my apprenticeship and earned my Red Seal, my role within the company started to grow. I took on more responsibility and moved into a lead hand position, gaining experience coordinating work in the field and helping guide crews on projects. More recently, I’ve been working closely with a superintendent who has been mentoring me as I continue working towards stepping into a foreman role. Learning from someone with that level of experience has shown me what it really takes to run jobs successfully.

One of the things I enjoy most about mechanical construction is the variety. No two projects are the same. Whether it’s working through a tight mechanical room or large-scale changeover floors, every project presents new problems to solve and new opportunities to learn. Seeing a project go from drawings to a finished building is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Knowing the work we do helps buildings operate and contributes to shaping the Lower Mainland’s skyline is something I take a lot of pride in.

I’ve been lucky to have opportunities to grow and people around me who continue to support that growth. Mentorship and learning from others have been a huge part of my journey, and I think that’s what keeps this industry strong. I look forward to continuing to develop as a leader while helping support and guide others entering the trade, just as others once did for me.

More NextGen in Focus stories coming soon.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Mar 11
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Plumbing Connects B.C. — A Message from MCABC on World Plumbing Day

By Latest, Skilled Trades

The designer Wim Hovens once said: “Good design is in all the things you notice. Great design is in all the things you don’t.”

How often does the average person think about plumbing – that complex series of pipes, fittings, valves, and so on that service our homes, schools, businesses, hospitals, and industrial sites? Suffice to say it’s not very often.

That’s because plumbing is at its finest when it’s invisible. Hidden away in walls, ceilings, and underground, great plumbing systems quietly go about their business, day in, day out, providing safe drinking water, protecting public health, supporting economic prosperity, and enabling a high quality of life.

In this sense, plumbing is a victim of its own success. The essential work of Plumbers can go unnoticed and unappreciated precisely because it is such an integral part of our daily lives, precisely because these complex systems are designed, installed, and maintained so exceptionally well.

B.C. is home to over 11,500 Plumbers across the residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. Together with the rest of the mechanical contracting industry, they contribute $10B annually to provincial GDP, and many tens of billions more through  the economic and industrial activity their work enables.

Plumbers are involved in new construction, retrofit, and service work. They install and maintain everything from the advanced hydronics systems that keep our data centres operating around the clock to the sophisticated pressure-zoning systems that pump water up dozens of floors in our high-rise towers.

Today, World Plumbing Day, offers an opportunity to elevate and celebrate the wide-ranging contributions of Plumbers and their trade to our communities, our industries, and our economies. Because plumbing isn’t just a job. It’s a connective force that helps our province grow, adapt, and thrive – and here are just some of the ways it does so:

 

Plumbing Connects Health & Prosperity

Plumbers install and service multiple systems that enable access to clean water and safe sanitation, protect against waterborne diseases, and deliver medical gases and other life-saving treatments in our hospitals.

These systems and the healthy populations they support provide the bedrock for economic development, with the UN estimating that every dollar invested in water and sanitation systems yields quadruple that in economic benefit.

In B.C., Plumbers are central to building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers our provincial economy, from data centres and wastewater treatment plants to LNG facilities and transportation hubs.

 

Plumbing Connects Talent & Opportunity

The plumbing trade offers a range of exciting, rewarding, well-paid career paths. These roles combine technical skill, problem-solving, creative thinking and continuous learning with endless potential for lateral and upward mobility.

Through apprenticeship programs, plumbing creates accessible career opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds – whether they’re entering the workforce for the first time or looking to reskill mid-career.

As the province works to scale, modernize, and decarbonize its public and private infrastructure, demand for Apprentice and Journeyperson Plumbers will continue to grow. Recruiting and training the next generation of Plumbers is foundational to the future prosperity of all British Columbians.

 

Plumbing Connects People & Communities

Plumbers, along with the other 10 mechanical trades, are the heart and lungs of our built environment – keeping water, energy, and people flowing.

Plumbers install and maintain the modern hydronics that create comfortable spaces for us to live, work, play, and gather in. If they have their Gasfitting license, which many in B.C. do, they install the natural gas and propane lines that make shared meals possible, whether at home or in our favourite cafes, restaurants, and bars. When we’re on the move, it’s Plumbers who provide the sophisticated, multi-layered systems that help keep our bus stations, ferry terminals, and airports operating safely and reliably.

 

Plumbing Connects Challenges & Solutions

Plumbers are on the front lines of some of the most complex problems facing British Columbia today. They’re leading the way with innovative solutions in areas like climate resiliency, seismic safety, disease prevention, and sustainable resource management.

For example, as B.C. communities experience an increasing number of adverse weather events, Plumbers are responding by helping to design, install, and maintain flood-resilient drainage and stormwater management systems.

When it comes to protecting the environment, they’re implementing water-reuse and heat-recovery technologies, paired with smart controls, to reduce resource and energy consumption without compromising on performance.

Often, these solutions are not only more effective and environmentally friendly, but also more affordable for consumers and taxpayers.

 

Plumbing Connects B.C.

In these ways and many more, plumbing connects B.C. We may not always see or hear the work of Plumbers (that’s by design) but its impacts are impossible to ignore – whether personal, social, political, or economic.

On World Plumbing Day, we recognize the significant contributions Plumbers make to B.C. and the lives of all British Columbians. Plumbers touch every person, building, business, and industry in every community throughout the province.

And tomorrow, when World Plumbing Day is over for another year and the spotlight has disappeared, Plumbers and their expertly designed systems will still be there, ticking away, day after day, quietly sustaining our health, our wealth, and our way of life.

Thank you, Plumbers, for everything you do.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

 

Feb 03
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NextGen in Focus: Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today

By Latest, Skilled Trades

Submit your story for a chance to be featured during MCABC’s NextGen Month 2026!

With one-fifth of the skilled trades workforce set to retire over the coming decade, the next generation is the key to our industry’s continued success.

Luckily for us, B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry is home to some of the brightest, most innovative, and most highly-skilled young professionals in Canada.

As we approach MCABC’s NextGen Month this April, what better time to honour, elevate, and celebrate the rising stars shaping our industry’s future?

  • Are you a young industry professional with a story to tell?
  • Does someone at your company deserve to be recognized for their outstanding contributions?

Whether you’re a first-year apprentice crushing it on the tools or a senior member of staff leading major projects, we want to hear from you!

 

How to Enter

All you have to do is fill out this form!

Entrants must be employed by an MCABC member company and should be under (or around) 40 years of age. Entries will be reviewed by the NextGen Board of Directors and winners will be featured in the MCABC Informer, on our website, and across social media during NextGen Month.

Deadline for entries is Friday, March 20, 2026.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Jan 30
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Recap: SD42 Skilled Trades Showcase

By Education, Latest, Skilled Trades

Maple Ridge, B.C. –  Last Thursday, MCABC participated in the SD42 Skilled Trades Showcase at Thomas Haney Secondary School. We joined students, parents, educators, and industry partners for an evening focused on career exploration and real-world insight into the skilled trades.

Hosted by Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows School District (SD42), the annual showcase is designed to give students and families direct access to industry voices and hands-on experiences. With interactive displays, breakout conversations, and opportunities to ask practical questions, the event helps demystify the trades and highlight the range of pathways available after graduation.

This year’s event saw record participation with an estimated 900 attendees. According to event organizer Brad Dingler, Coordinator of District Partnerships, feedback from students and parents reflected a consistent theme: they had not realized how many doors a career in the trades could open and valued the opportunity to speak directly with industry representatives.

This feedback speaks directly to MCABC’s Skilled Trades pillar, which in part focuses on promoting the mechanical trades as exciting, fulfilling, and financially rewarding career paths. By increasing awareness of the diverse and evolving roles within the mechanical industry — across the industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential sectors — MCABC aims to ensure today’s students can see themselves in the workforce that will deliver B.C.’s future infrastructure.

Check out our videos recapping the event and highlighting the trades we represent below:

Modern Mechanical Construction

At the MCABC booth, students were introduced to virtual design and prefabrication by MCABC and NextGen Board member Le Hien Huynh of Division 15 Mechanical.

Using real project examples, Le Hien showed how Building Information Modelling, or BIM, is used to design and test mechanical systems before construction begins – helping teams spot and resolve problems before they arise on site. The demonstration gave students and parents a clear look at how modern mechanical work goes far beyond a plunger and a wrench.

 

Industry Conversations and Hands-On Learning

MCABC member Adam Portman, a Red Seal plumber and site superintendent with Davidson Bros., participated in a breakout session with students and parents interested in plumbing and pipefitting. Adam shared insights into getting started in the trade, what the day-to-day looks like, and his own experience progressing into a site superintendent role.

Back at the MCABC booth, Adam led a hands-on demonstration of a ProPEX expansion tool, kindly provided by MCABC member Vaughan Ventures. Students were tasked with creating a mini-system using tubing, tees, and plugs, giving them a practical sense of how modern plumbing systems are assembled and how secure connections are achieved.

 

Investing in our Industry’s Future

By supporting events like this one, MCABC aims to encourage greater awareness and interest in the mechanical trades, and help more young people see these careers as exciting, rewarding, and essential to British Columbia’s future.

This work is part of our ongoing mission to develop a diverse, skilled, and innovative mechanical contracting industry – one that can continue to drive B.C.’s economy and respond to its growing infrastructure demand.

MCABC thanks School District 42, event organizer Brad Dingler, participating industry partners, our members who generously offered their time and expertise, and the student volunteers who helped make the event possible. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that connect students, families, and industry in meaningful ways.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Dec 12
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MCABC Hosts Skilled Trades Roundtable With the Honourable Minister Sunner

By Advocacy, Latest, Skilled Trades

Vancouver, B.C. – Yesterday we welcomed the Honourable Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, to the MCABC office for a forward-looking roundtable focused on expanding and modernizing skilled trades training in B.C.

Following the Province’s recent announcement of a $241-million investment to boost trades training, the roundtable brought together representatives from the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC), BC Food and Beverage (BCFB), New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDABC), Core Education & Fine Arts Early Learning Centre (CEFA), Concrete BC, the Minister and her staff, and MCABC’s strategic partner, Bluestone Government Relations, who moderated the meeting.

The session kicked off an important dialogue, with industry leaders sharing their challenges regarding skilled trades shortages, and the Minister seeking input on how her Ministry can most effectively deploy this landmark investment.

Despite the diversity of associations present, several common themes emerged, including the need for workforce development reform, the shift from traditional worksites and practices to high-tech ones, and the concern that inaction will exacerbate the current productivity and affordability crises.

MCABC Board Chair Kyle Wisniewski, Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer Trevor Hildebrand, and CEO Kim Barbero reiterated the same key asks we made of the Honourable Premier Eby when we toured him around a cutting-edge mechanical job site in September.

Kyle stressed the need to modernize trades training – both the curriculum, to keep pace with industry advancements, and its delivery, to embrace opportunities for online learning. He also reaffirmed MCABC’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Ministry to help develop and support the necessary reforms.

Trevor emphasized the importance of upholding trade certification standards, such as the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM) trade, to ensure safe, efficient, and durable installations. He proposed strengthening upskilling pathways as a partial solution to the ongoing labour shortage, thus leveraging the skilled trades expertise already available within the province.

Kim called attention to the critical role of mechanical contractors, noting that improving access and training is essential if the Province wants to meet its future infrastructure goals and provide stable, well-paid careers for British Columbians.

Minister Sunner welcomed MCABC’s collaboration and noted alignment with a number of her Ministry’s priorities, including:

  • increasing per-seat funding and clearing waitlists
  • rebuilding the skilled trades certification system
  • strengthening retraining and upskilling pathways
  • exposing more young people to the trades
  • integrating new technologies and AI
  • continuing consultation with industry stakeholders

The roundtable reinforced the power of cross-industry collaboration and the shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient workforce.

MCABC will continue working alongside our government and industry partners to support the expansion and modernization of trades training – helping deliver the skilled mechanical workforce B.C. needs for the decade ahead.

Thank you, Minister Sunner, for your continued interest in our industry. We are encouraged by yesterday’s roundtable and look forward to furthering this important work together.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058