Skilled Trades Jobs in Schools
Put your skills to work where they matter most
When you work in a B.C. school district, you’re not just maintaining buildings – you’re supporting learning, safety and community. Skilled trades professionals keep schools running smoothly so students and teachers can focus on student success.
Whether you’re a seasoned journeyperson or just starting your trades career, there’s a place for your skills in B.C. schools.
Trades careers at B.C. schools include:
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Gas Fitter
- Electrician
- HVAC Technician
- Millwright
- Heavy Duty Mechanic
- Horticulturalist
- Custodian / Building Service Worker
- Grounds People
- General Labourers
Why Work in Schools?
- Meaningful work: Your craftsmanship directly supports students, teachers, and communities.
- Steady, reliable employment: School districts offer predictable hours, benefits, and pension plans.
- Work-life balance: Enjoy regular weekday schedules and time off during holidays and summer months.
- Team environment: Be part of a supportive crew that takes pride in maintaining safe, welcoming spaces.
Qualifications and Certification Details
Trades qualifications are required for all TQ Trades positions. Requirements for other positions may require some specialized training. For information about starting an apprenticeship or applying for a ticket/certificate, visit the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
Salary
Skilled trades persons in B.C. school districts are members of their local support staff union. The terms of employment, including hours of work, will vary depending on the district, the collective agreement, and the type of position held by the employee.
| POSITION TITLE | HOURLY WAGE RANGE |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | $45.15 |
| Electrician | $42.51-$49.13 |
| Grounds Foreperson | $42.76 |
| HVAC Techncian | $47.56 |
| Painter | $44.46 |
| Plumber | $43.23 |
| Welder | $42.51 |
These salary estimates are based on data from the Burnaby School District for October 2025. Salaries and hourly rates vary from district to district, and each district pay scale for trades can be viewed on the British Columbia Public Sector Employers’ Association website.
Training and Educational Programs
The following is a list of trades training programs in British Columbia. A comprehensive list of trades training programs and services may also be found on the Trades Training BC website.
CENTRAL BC
Carpentry
Thompson Rivers University | Carpenter Apprentice
Electrical
College of New Caledonia | Electrician
College of the Rockies | Electrician
Thompson Rivers University | Electrician
Gas Fitting
Thompson Rivers University | Gas Fitter
Horticulture
Thompson Rivers University | Horticulture
Plumbing
College of New Caledonia | Plumbing
Thompson Rivers University | Plumbing
FRASER VALLEY
Carpentry
University of the Fraser Valley | Carpentry
Electrical
University of the Fraser Valley | Electrical
Horticulture
University of the Fraser Valley | Horticulture
KOOTENAY
METRO
Carpentry
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Carpentry Apprenticeship
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Carpentry Building Construction
Electrical
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Electrical Apprenticeship
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Electrician Apprenticeship
Gas Fitting
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Gas Fitting
HVAC
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | HVAC
Horticulture
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Horticulture
Plumbing
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Plumbing Apprenticeship
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Plumbing Apprenticeship
NORTHERN BC
OKANAGAN
Carpentry
Okanagan College | Carpentry/Joinery
VANCOUVER ISLAND / SUNSHINE COAST
Carpentry
Camosun College | Carpentry
Vancouver Island University | Carpentry
Electrical
Camosun College | Electrician
North Island College | Electrician
Vancouver Island University | Electrician
Gas Fitter
Vancouver Island University | Gas Fitter
HVAC
Vancouver Island University | HVAC
Horticulture
Camosun College | Horticulture
Vancouver Island University | Horticulture
Plumbing
Camosun College | Plumbing
North Island College | Plumbing
Employment Opportunities
Find electrical, carpentry, horticulture, HVAC, painting and other skilled trades jobs on Makeafuture.ca under the ‘support staff’ position category.
Jobs in BC
CONTINUING CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIAN TRAIN in TRADES TEACHER (1.0FTE)School District #43 (Coquitlam)
Journeyman - Electrician (Temporary)Abbotsford School District
HVAC TechnicianSchool District #38 (Richmond)
Journeyman - PlumberAbbotsford School District
CarpenterSchool District #36 (Surrey)
MechanicSchool District #35 (Langley)
Transportation - Mechanic - temporarySchool District #28 (Quesnel)
HVAC I Mechanic (day shift)School District #43 (Coquitlam)
HVAC Mechanic IISchool District #43 (Coquitlam)
Tradesperson - HVAC Controls TechnicianSchool District #36 (Surrey)
