Description
Job Title: Trades Coordinator – Inclusive Post-Secondary EducationHours: 30 hours/weekCompensation: $54,600 salary, Municipal Pension Plan & Extended Health Benefits paid by the employerLocation: Remote based in B.C.; travel requiredReports to: Co-DirectorsOverview:Inclusive Post-Secondary Education is increasingly recognized as a vital pathway for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve meaningful employment and valued citizenship. STEPS Forward is a provincial organization dedicated to advancing inclusive post-secondary education. As part of its commitment to expanding inclusive post-secondary education opportunities, STEPS Forward is creating a Trades Coordinator position to help embed inclusive post-secondary education within mainstream trades training and broaden access to apprenticeship and employment opportunities across British ColumbiaPosition SummaryThe Trades Coordinator will play a key provincial role in promoting, coordinating, and expanding access to trades programs and apprenticeship pathways for students. This role will work directly with post-secondary institutions, employers, Skilled Trades BC, and community stakeholders to increase awareness, build partnerships, and support the development of inclusive, trades training and employment opportunities.Key ObjectivesIncrease enrollment of students in trades programs at post-secondary institutions (PSI’s) across B.C.Raise awareness of inclusive trades education among students, families, PSIs, unions, industry partners, and employers.Connect students to employer sponsors offering tailored apprenticeship opportunities that build on the students’ strengths and training.Key Responsibilities1. Outreach and Building AwarenessCoordinate and lead awareness campaigns, workshops, and information sessions to engage students, families, and industry partners.Support facilitators at current initiatives to collaborate with trades programs and links to apprenticeship and employment.2. Partnership and Capacity BuildingCollaborate with Deans of Trades and enrollment teams at PSIs to develop inclusive registration processes.Build relationships with trades programs that are including students and share promising practices across institutions.Establish and expand partnerships with new PSIs across the province.3. Recruitment and Training CoordinationWork with campus facilitators to understand trades program schedules and align student recruitment accordingly.Support the identification of trades programs that match student interests at participating institutions.4. Apprenticeship and Employer EngagementCollaborate with Skilled Trades BC Apprenticeship Advisors, facilitators, and campuses to identify inclusive employer sponsors.Support employers in developing modified apprenticeships tailored to each student’s training and strengths.Ensure students are registered apprentices and included in the apprenticeship systems.5. System Navigation and FundingLiaise with Skilled Trades BC to ensure student seats are funded.Identify scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid to support students with tuition and equipment costs.Qualifications and SkillsStrong understanding of B.C.’s trades training and apprenticeship systems, including Skilled Trades BC.Proven ability to build partnerships with employers, post-secondary institutions, and community organizations.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including comfort with public speaking and facilitation.Strong organizational skills to manage recruitment, timelines, and multiple stakeholder relationships.Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive practice.Preferred ExperienceFamiliarity with Inclusive Post-Secondary Education models and inclusive trades training.Experience with outreach or values based awareness campaigns.Established network in the B.C. trades, post-secondary, or inclusion sectors.
