Kitamaat Valley Education Society (KVES) was proud to host our Youth Trades Apprenticeship Event on April 28, 2026 at our Trades Centre at 1352 Alexander Avenue. The day brought together local industry partners, employers, training providers, and youth from across the region, all with a shared interest in the skilled trades and the opportunities they open up close to home.
The Trades Centre was busy from the moment doors opened. Exhibitor tables lined the space, giving young people the chance to move from booth to booth at their own pace, ask questions, and get straight answers from the people who do this work every day. For many students, it was a first real conversation with someone in the field they have been curious about.
Participants learned how apprenticeship pathways actually work, from the first year of training through to certification, and what the balance between classroom time and paid on the job hours looks like in practice. Employers and industry representatives talked candidly about what they look for in a new apprentice, the tools and tickets worth having early, and the wage progression that comes with each level. Training providers were on hand to walk through program requirements, intake dates, and the supports available to students who are still deciding where to start.
Just as valuable were the conversations that happened between the formal presentations. Youth heard directly from tradespeople about what a typical shift involves, what they wish they had known at seventeen, and how they built careers without leaving the northwest. Those honest exchanges are often what turns a vague interest into a real plan.
A sincere thank you to all of our exhibitors, presenters, and volunteers. Your time, your equipment, and your willingness to answer every question put in front of you are what made the day work. Thank you as well to the students, families, and community members who came out and made the space feel full.
Events like this one are only possible when industry, education, and community pull in the same direction. By continuing to work together, we create meaningful connections between local youth, education, and industry, and we help build the skilled workforce this region will depend on for years to come.
We are already looking ahead to the next one. If your company, crew, or organization would like to take part in a future event, we would be glad to hear from you.
