New scholarship to support electrical apprentices in British Columbia

VICTORIA — A new scholarship is being launched to support the proliferation of electrical apprentices in British Columbia.

The Electrical Contractors Association of BC (ECABC) and the Construction Foundation of BC have partnered to create the ECABC Jack Funk Scholarship.

In a news release, Derek Fettback, chair of the ECABC and vice-president of Western Pacific Enterprises, said “providing financial and education supports to electrical apprentices is an important action for ECABC to encourage the next generation of electrical workers.”

Jack Funk, the scholarship’s namesake, ran an electrical contracting business in B.C. for 45 years and was ECABC president from 1994 to 1996. He was known for his commitment to training the next generation of electricians.

The scholarship is available to apprentices in years one to four of their electrical apprenticeship who are employed by an ECABC contractor member and are receiving their training at an approved B.C. institution.

There are six $1,000 scholarships available: three for apprentices in Metro Vancouver, one for an apprentice on Vancouver Island, one for an apprentice in the Interior and Northern B.C., and one for a line technician apprentice.

“There has never been a better time for young people to pursue a career in the electrical trades,” said Matt MacInnis, ECABC president, in the release.

“ECABC’s members and their employees are making remarkable contributions to building B.C.’s sustainable future – from constructing new hospitals, to building world-class clean energy projects, to supporting the creation of new homes and installing the infrastructure needed to power electric vehicles.”