Year In Review 2024-2025
Our Vision
At the Construction Foundation, our vision is to improve the social-economic health of the communities in which we live and work.
Building Foundations For Empowered Futures
As a registered Canadian charity, we focus on investing in the development of the skilled trade professional workforce – encouraging entry into trade careers and completion of training to attain a Certificate of Qualifications or Red Seal Endorsement.
Since our inception in 2012, our fundraising campaigns have raised millions of dollars to outfit British Columbia’s shop classes with new equipment, provide driver training to youth at risk, connect educators with professional development opportunities, award-worthy individuals with bursaries to continue their trades education, and provide much-needed support to educational programs across a diverse audience.
With a network that reaches across the province – our initiatives have engaged thousands of people as they explore career opportunities and plan for their future. Our responsive delivery model enables us to bring industry to the table in a way that introduces trades and technology careers in accessible ways.
Looking to the future, we are focused on working with people as they build a life and career they can be proud of. Over the past year we have continued to support British Columbians as they explore new careers and develop labour market attachment – in addition, we have made an even bigger commitment to inclusion and diversity through our latest initiatives.
Together, we are helping people build a future they can be proud of for years to come.
Abigail Fulton, B.A. LL.B
Executive Director
Message From The Executive Director
2024 has been a remarkable year! Our existing programs are producing exciting outcomes, and additional activities continue to arrive to create new avenues for us to help others.
Our focus on supporting apprentices through to their Red Seal is continuing to bear fruit. Coast Capital’s Road to Red Seal program and the Pathway to Apprenticeship Completion (PACT) have served close to 200 apprentices with successful completion of both level exams and Red Seal endorsements. The programs continue to attract apprentices from multiple trades and employment backgrounds both union and non-union. Support for the programs have come from both industry and public sources and we are confident that the program will continue to grow, enabling many more BC apprentices to achieve completion.
The Sky Keepers initiative, supporting Indigenous participants to earn an Advanced Drone Certificate and numerous other certifications, continues across BC thanks to the generous support again of both industry and public providers. Demand for the training from Indigenous Communities has grown significantly since the program’s inception two years ago and 40 more participants are now certified drone operators.
Skills Ready’s Build Green Together highlights green building practices, and environmental sustainability in high schools across BC and has successfully delivered 280 sessions, workshops and camps and connected with over 5,500 youth. The program is poised to add to that number significantly in the coming year. Simultaneously, programs like Welcome Exchange continue to host engaging workshops and events for newcomers, generating anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead as they integrate into their new communities.
Finally, we are pleased to note that our activities around workforce development now include support for mental health and well being. Our ReFRAME program brings that focus to new entrants into trades training, exploring wellness through a strength-based and hands-on approach to learning and change.
As we embark on a new year, we are excited to build upon the successes of the past year and set new benchmarks for our team and the communities we serve.
A heartfelt thank you to all those individuals, organizations and funders and Communities who have supported us through collaboration, volunteer services, and financial contributions. You are the backbone of our success! Bring on 2025!
Abigail Fulton, Executive Director
Willy Manson
Chair
Message From The Chair
As we look back on the incredible achievements of the past year, we are reminded of the transformative power of our mission at the Construction Foundation. Together, we have broken barriers, fostered inclusion, and empowered individuals and communities to thrive in the skilled trades. Our work has directly addressed critical skills shortages while enhancing opportunities for youth, newcomers, and at-risk communities. This progress is a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the unwavering support of our board.
On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank our funders, donors and project partners for the pivotal role they play in shaping this vision and driving our mission forward. Your continued guidance, advocacy, and support will help us seize the opportunities ahead and make a lasting impact on BC’s workforce and economy.
Together, we can create a future where skilled trades are not only accessible, but celebrated for the way they transform lives and strengthen communities across the province and beyond.
Willy Manson, Chair
Making an Impact
K - 12 Students
In 2024, the Skills Ready – Build Green Together team hosted over 192 workshops across the province.
Employment Connections
The Welcome Exchange team far exceeded their deliverables in 2024.
We are specifically proud of our achievements around supporting newcomers into employment. This year the team worked with over 200 newcomers to Canada to support them into employment.
On the Road to Red Seal
The Coast Capital Road to Red Seal and Pathways to Apprenticeship Completion in the Trades is working with over 180 tradespeople as they work to attain their certificate of qualification.
This team is making magic happen so that we RETAIN skilled tradespeople in the industry by helping them to PROGRESS in their apprenticeship and to COMPLETE their training, ultimately gaining their Red Seal!
Exams Passed
We’d like to congratulate the Road to Red Seal participants who are now certified in their trade. You have completed the highest level of certification in the skilled trades and are among an elite group of professionals who make the modern world possible. You build hospitals, bridges, homes and more! We are thrilled to have played a small part in your success!
Working in Community
The Indigenous Services team worked in over 23 First Nation communities in 2024, supporting over 40 distinct Nations.
We raise our hands to our partners and pledge to continue to walk with community members on their journey to fulfilling lives and careers.
Grants In Dollars
Offering training grants through the Construction Foundation empowers individuals to build in-demand skills, creating pathways to meaningful careers while addressing critical labor shortages in the skilled trades.
CFBC In Action
The Construction Foundation of BC is a registered Canadian charity. We are committed to supporting the advancement of the communities in which we live and work through our engagement in charitable initiatives, and our commitment to skilled trade training, education and research.
Enhanced support and pathway navigation in the skilled trades.
The road to gaining a Red Seal endorsement or trade qualification is not always a straight line and sometimes, apprentices need a hand to plan for their next step to gain their professional designation. Our Coast Capital Road to Red Seal and ReFRAME teams can help.
- Workforce Development Programs
Featured Articles
Resources to prepare a new generation of skilled trades professionals.
Our youth and educator initiatives connect industry professionals with the next generation of skilled workers. By bringing industry presentations and showcase events to classrooms, students can begin building their professional networks early, leading to job opportunities and apprenticeships.
In communities, for communities.
Our initiatives that work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are led by and for Indigenous peoples. Fifty percent of CFBC’s staff identifies as Indigenous. With lived experience and a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, our team meets people where they are at in their professional journey and walks with them as they chart paths forward in life and work.
- FIRST NATIONS, INUIT & METIS PROGRAMMING
Featured Articles
Welcoming new arrivals to the country and the industry.
We recognize that all people thrive in a welcoming world – connections to local culture, employment and community make a big difference.
Participants in our immigrant and refugee-focused programs receive specialized services and can participate in events designed to help them build employment and community connections.
Investing in research ensures a vibrant and progressive future for our industry.
We support research projects focused on innovation in the built environment including, but not limited to, the enhancement of safety, improvement of industry practices, and increased focus on sustainability of the construction industry. As research projects are completed, the final reports are shared with the public on our website.
Grants, training funds and bursaries open doors for new opportunities.
We engage in charitable initiatives that support projects in the communities in which we live and work. In partnership with donors from across British Columbia, we offer a series of training funds and grants to ensure new industry members are able to access the training and gain the experience they need to build a rewarding career in the skilled trades.
Thank You To Our Donors
We are incredibly grateful to our donors, supporters and partners. The work we do is made possible by the generous support of our corporate, government, and individual donors.
Thanks to their generous donations, we are helping people be successful on their path to long-term employment success. From driver training grants and trades training funds to tutoring and mentorship, our participants are making great strides in building a life and career that they are proud of. Thank you!
We would also like to thank the hundreds of individuals and families who have continued to support the Construction Foundation of BC’s programming and granting efforts!
Mott Electric
LNG Canada
Industry Training Authority
Canadian Welding Association
Northern Gateway Pipelines
Home Depot Foundation
Coast Capital Savings
Shell Canada
Victoria Foundation
Masonry Institute
Canadian Manufacturing & Exporters
Hanson Industries Ltd
BigSteelBox Corp
Concert Real Estate
Houle Electric
NDIT
Ahousaht Education Authority
Telus Friendly Foundation
WorkSafe BC
Haisla Nation
Harmonic Machine Inc
Marine Canada Acquisition Inc
Modern Engineering
Elliott Matsura Canada
BC Housing
Pazmac Enterprises
Encore Metals
Sureus Murphy Joint Venture
Enbridge Inc
Coastal GasLink PL LP (TC Energy)
Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (TC Energy)
Quesnel Dakelh Education
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
The Canfor Good Things Come From Trees Foundation
CLAC BC
Electrical Contractors Association of BC
Aecom
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association BC Chapter
Vmac Global Technology Inc
Rapid-Span Structures Ltd
TQ Construction Ltd.
AFC Construction
Jenkins Marzban Logan
Flynn Canada Ltd.
TKI Construction
Fairfield Island Plumbing
Division 15 Mechanical Ltd
G & E Contracting
P.G. Home Finishing Supplies
New Gold Inc.
First West Foundation
Prince George Construction Association
BC Construction Association
Wal-Mart Canada Corp
Giant Power Tongs
Urban Systems
Knappett Industries
Pro North Heating Inc
Dawson Construction
Peace Enterprises
Fraser Wood
Collins M&M
Onni Property Management
Our Network
Employer Partners
Employers invested in building the next generation by providing work experience opportunities and committing volunteer hours in support of career exploration
Initiative Collaborations
Ahousaht First Nation
ASTTBC
BC Tech Ed Teachers Association
Blueberry River First Nation
BCIT
Camosun College
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Career Educators Society
Coast Capital
DIGITAL
Electrical Joint Training Committee
EJTC
FAST BC
First Nation Schools Association
Foresight CAC
Forestry Innovation Investment
Fort Nelson First Nation
Future Skills Centre
Help Ukraine Vancouver Island
Here Magazine
IBEW Local 230
Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada
ISPARC
Lytton First Nation
Masonry Institute of BC
Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Nuxalk Nation
Okanagan College
Penticton Indian Band
Quadrant Marine
School Districts Across the Province
Skilled Trades BC
Skills Canada
South Island Partnership – Camosun
SRDC
Thompson Rivers University
Tl’etinqox First Nation
Two Eyed Seeing Consulting CCC Inc
Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Vancouver Island University
Your Entrepreneur Society
BC Construction Association
Northern Regional Construction Association
Southern Interior Construction Association
Ukrainian Cultural Centre
Vancouver Island Construction Association
Vancouver Regional Construction Association
Western Joint Electrical Training Society
Witset First Nation
Work BC
Board of Directors 2024-2025
The CFBC Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated professionals who share a common mission to support the next generation of skilled workers. In partnership with the board, the CFBC staff strive to improve the social – economic wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work.
Willy Manson
Chair, Stinger Welding
Clark Campbell
Vice Chair, Smith Bros. & Wilson
Phil Long
Secretary & Treasurer, Phil Long Construction Services
Dan Mott
Past Chair, Mott Electric
Chris Atchison
BC Construction Association
Colleen Austin
First Nations Schools Association of BC (Past President)
Chuck Cullen
Okanagan College
Katie Shaw
Earnscliffe Strategies
Tom Plumb
Kinetic Construction
Tamara Pongracz
BCIT
Our Commitment
All Are
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are essential calls to action. Representation is critical when it comes to serving our communities, especially when serving people at risk.
We are committed the implementation of universal design, to ensure no one is left behind. All people are welcome. Period. We are here to support all British Columbians on the path to long-term and sustainable employment.
We gratefully acknowledge that we work, live, and love on the traditional and unceded lands of the Lekwungen people and when our work takes us across Turtle Island, we raise our hands in thanks to the many Nations who have called this land home for time immemorial.
Our Story
Continues
Looking ahead, the future holds boundless opportunities to expand our impact and deepen our commitment to ensuring current and future tradespeople are given the opportunity to progress and complete their apprenticeship training.
The demand for skilled trades and technology careers continues to grow, and the Construction Foundation is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in building a stronger, more inclusive workforce. By continuing to invest in trades education, support educators and students in the K-12 system, and promote universal access within the industry, we can ensure that no talent goes untapped.
