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VICTORIA — The Government of British Columbia is aiming to create more opportunities in skilled trades through a $5 million investment in six organizations that recruit and support people in apprenticeships.

The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) is receiving $1 million to expand supporting resources for pre-apprentice and apprenticeship training, including its Elder support training, reads a news release.

The BC Centre for Women in the Trades is receiving $1 million to enhance its inclusivity-based workplace training and contribute to its bursary program for equity serving groups.

The Canadian Home Builders Association of BC is getting $1 million to create and execute a range of programs and initiatives with the aim of providing supportive training and highlighting and advancing well-paid opportunities in the trades.

The Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) and the Skills Canada BC (SCBC) are both receiving $500,000. SCBC will use the funds to expand skills competitions and programs and the CFBC will host summer camps for at-risk youth to expose them to opportunities in construction.

SkillPlan is receiving $1 million to increase its supporting resources for apprentices with a focus on underrepresented groups.

Matthew Sheena, an EJTC apprentice, said his experience with ACCESS was a pivotal moment in his life.

“I was at a point in my life where I felt lost and down, struggling with no sense of direction. But then I crossed paths with ACCESS,” Sheena said in the release.

“These programs turned my life around, giving me back control over my future, as well as a solid career and big dreams.”