A British Columbia nonprofit is helping neurodivergent learners complete skilled trades training through a program that addresses barriers in classroom instruction and certification, as the province faces ongoing labour shortages in the sector.
In a press release, Learn. Develop. Succeed. (LDS) highlighted its Skills for Trades program, a non-vocational initiative designed to help fill existing training and apprenticeship seats with neurodivergent candidates through individualized learning support, one-to-one mentorship, assistive technology, and certification preparation.
The program comes as B.C. faces a significant skilled trades completion gap, with fewer than 6,500 apprentices completing certification each year in British Columbia, despite tens of thousands of projected job openings in the sector over the next decade.
While an estimated 20 per cent of the general population is neurodivergent, about 25 per cent of construction workers identify as neurodivergent. The press release noted that neurodivergent learners are approximately 25 per cent less likely to complete training than their peers, despite often excelling in hands-on, technical work.
“Public investment has created opportunity, but opportunity alone is not enough,” said George Wallace, Skills for Trades Program Manager at LDS. “Without the right supports, many learners never reach certification. LDS helps ensure that available training opportunities translate into certified, job-ready workers, strengthening the workforce while improving the return on public investment.”
The press release noted that LDS works with learners who often excel on job sites but encounter barriers in classroom-based instruction, written exams, or rigid program structures. By addressing these challenges directly, Skills for Trades supports persistence through to certification rather than early exit from training pathways.
The organization has also launched Skilled Trades Scholarships, which provide multi-year financial assistance and sustained learning coaching to neurodivergent youth transitioning from secondary school into trades training and apprenticeships. Founding partners include Coast Capital Savings, Premium Brands, RBC Foundation, Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE, The Stollery Charitable Foundation, Pacific Spirit Foundation, and Greg and Elese Sullivan. SkilledTradesBC is providing in-kind support and an advisory role.
LDS is a nonprofit charity founded in 1970 that delivers individualized education programs to children, youth, and adults with learning differences.
