The College of New Caledonia (CNC) and the Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) Launch Discovery Trades
Prince George, B.C. – May 7th, 2025
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) and the Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) are excited to launch the pilot event of Discovery Trades on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025. This new, hands-on career exploration event is designed to introduce high school students to the wide range of career opportunities in the trades and related sectors.
Presented by FortisBC and supported by the BC Road Builders Roadshow, Discovery Trades will take place at CNC’s Canfor Trades Building and feature three cohorts of students participating in a full-day experience that includes hands-on sessions in carpentry, welding, auto mechanics, and heavy-duty equipment, among others. A highlight of the event includes the BC Road Builders’ full-scale heavy-duty equipment simulator, along with a variety of interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and skills-based activities.
“Discovery Trades is about sparking curiosity and opening doors,” says Nicole Bryant, CEO of the Northern Regional Construction Association. “By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, we’re helping them envision meaningful and dynamic careers in sectors that are vital to our region.”
This initiative is designed to grow. While this year’s pilot is focused on students in the Prince George area, future years aim to expand the program across Northern British Columbia, offering even more youth the opportunity to explore careers in skilled trades, project management, engineering, safety, and beyond.
Discovery Trades is a collaborative effort to strengthen workforce development, build industry awareness, and connect youth to career pathways in the North.
For more information about the program, please contact the NRCA team at office@nrca.ca.
Media Contact:
Nicole Bryant
Chief Executive Officer
Email: nbryant@nrca.ca | Phone: (250) 596-9901
Kayla Hearn
Manager, Operations and Communications
Email: khearn@nrca.ca | Phone: (250) 596-9900
NRCA Website
www.nrca.ca
Communications & Advancement team
College of New Caledonia
Email: media@cnc.bc.ca | Phone: +1 (778) 349-2876
About the NRCA
The Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) is the trusted and inclusive voice for construction and related businesses serving northern British Columbia. We bring together a community of dedicated professionals who are committed to building resilient communities and driving the future of the construction industry. Through resources, education, advocacy, and events, the NRCA champions innovation, safety, and excellence to strengthen the industry and the communities it serves.