Metro Vancouver, British Columbia – Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) and the BC Insulators Union are excited to announce the launch of a transformative Pre-apprenticeship Program that aims to prepare young people for careers in insulation, a trade essential to energy efficiency and emissions reduction. This program offers paid work and practical, hands-on training, empowering youth to explore skilled trades that benefit their communities and contribute to building resilience in the face of climate change.
YCCBC is dedicated to engaging young people in climate action through impactful, fulfilling, and well-paying community-based work. We’ve joined forces with BC Insulators, an industry leader in training and safety for heat and frost insulators to facilitate this exciting new program. Our joint effort addresses the mutual goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building climate resilience, and promoting green building practices. Through projects that reduce emissions and build climate resilience, YCCBC and the BC Insulators bring much-needed social, economic, and environmental co-benefits to BC communities.
The eight young leaders hired will gain valuable insights into the insulator trade while working on real-world projects, receiving both climate-related education and skills that could lead to a red seal certification and unionized employment. Further, this program seeks to aid BC in achieving its greenhouse gas reduction targets.
“Local 118 Heat & Frost Insulators recently signed a contract with Youth Climate Corps BC to provide a twenty-hour education program with resourced youth to enter the construction industry. Through technical training and on-the-job, work experience we are excited about the program in the hopes of providing young workers a rewarding career with strong wages & benefits. The course was delivered from Oct 21st to the 25th, 2025 with eight applicants who have entered the workforce on a pathway to red seal certification in the mechanical insulation trade.” Rob Sheck from BC Insulators – Business Manager, Local 118.
The enthusiasm for this project is clear—50 applications were received within just three weeks of the job posting! The demand is undeniable. We must expand Youth Climate Corps across BC to provide training and paid work for young people aged 17-30 who are eager to launch their careers by making a meaningful impact on climate action within their communities. This approach supports youth development and strengthens and enriches communities, making them safer and more prosperous.
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