As the city's oldest public post-secondary institution, VCC has seen a lot of change. In 1880, what would become VCC's Downtown Campus opened its doors as Vancouver's Central School. Back then, B.C.'s economy was fuelled by logging, mining, fishing, and agriculture. Today, the skills needed to enter the workforce look very different.
B.C.'s labour market needs new expertise to support the evolving clean energy sector
With the release of the provincial government's CleanBC plan, which aims to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, there has been a drastic shift in the skills B.C. workers need. Critical sectors within B.C., including transportation, industry, and construction, have been allocated actions and targets to help them transition towards cleaner energy and technologies. However, Canada currently faces a shortage of workers with these skills; recent research shows that by 2032, 40% of new jobs in trades, transport, and equipment will require an enhanced skillset as Canada transitions towards a net-zero economy.
VCC is uniquely positioned to meet the demands of B.C.'s future labour market
Ajay Patel, President & CEO at VCC, explains: "VCC has continuously evolved to stay ahead of labour market demands. Now is no exception. Thanks to our longstanding relationship with industry, many of our instructors are working professionals who help us build programs that meet the real-time expectations of B.C.'s job market. As a result, VCC delivers job-ready graduates who immediately contribute to their fields."
VCC is launching a series of new clean energy programs, starting as early as 2026
As workforce needs evolve, VCC is proactively creating programs that train students for a future career in clean energy. It plans to launch at least five new clean energy programs, with courses starting as early as 2026. Its Clean Energy Technology Diploma is already open for registration. Others, such as the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician programme, are listed on VCC's Upcoming New Programs page so students can register their interest in enrolling. These new programs will produce workers who are technically skilled, environmentally conscious, and ready for long-term impact in vital industries.
VCC is opening a hub for future research and innovation in clean energy and automotives
To house these programs, VCC is currently expanding its existing Broadway Campus with a new Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation (CCEAI). The $291.3 million project is expected to finish in 2027. It will house over 700 new full-time equivalent students, enabling VCC to expand its program offerings and foster research in high-demand clean energy and automotive fields.
"We are proud that VCC is expanding its offerings to meet future labour market demands," Patel says. "VCC prides itself on providing real learning, for real change. With the new CCEAI building and programs, we aim to equip VCC graduates with skills that broaden their opportunities and future-proof their careers in line with job market needs both now and in the future."
And it doesn't stop here - VCC will continue working with industry to meet B.C.'s labour market needs and sustainability goals, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Learn more:
About VCC's CCEAI building
About VCC's Clean Energy program
About VCC's upcoming programs
This article originally featured in Business in Vancouver's Education 2025 Magazine
