BCBusiness
With a tailored approach and one-on-one support, Vancouver non-profit Learning Disabilities Society’s RISE to Work program is giving neurodivergent learners a pathway into meaningful careers in the trades
Canada’s skilled trades sector is facing a major labour crunch. Even with more apprentices entering training than ever before, tens of thousands of workers are still needed to keep critical industries—like construction, manufacturing, and food production—running. Without targeted solutions, the gap could put serious strain on the economy.
Many potential workers, including neurodivergent individuals and newcomers with literacy barriers, are being left behind due to limited support and accommodations. Despite their skills and potential, only one in three neurodivergent Canadian adults (ages 20 to 64)—specifically those who identify as autistic—report being employed, according to Labour Market Information Council. In B.C., where more than 105,000 trades jobs have opened over the past decade and 700,000 skilled workers are expected to retire by 2028, the problem is especially acute. But one local nonprofit is working to change that.
This summer, Vancouver-based nonprofit Learning Disabilities Society (LDS)—also known as Learn, Develop, Succeed—launched Skills for Trades: RISE to Work in partnership with SkilledTradesBC. The program provides neurodivergent adults with flexible, personalized training and resources to not only thrive in the trades, but to build more independent, empowered lives.
Skills for Trades is a hands-on, career-focused program crafted for adult apprentices, trades learners and workers facing hurdles like job insecurity or stalled progress—often because their learning differences haven’t been recognized or supported. With options to attend in person at LDS’s East Vancouver hub or join online from anywhere in Canada, the program’s flexible scheduling breaks down barriers and opens doors for a wider, more diverse group of learners ready to level up their careers.
Each participant begins with an intake and assessment, then partners with a specialized instructor to create a custom learning profile. This profile highlights strengths, learning preferences and useful assistive technologies. It’s a practical tool learners can keep—and update as needed—to share with employers or training bodies like SkilledTradesBC.
“At LDS this year, we have 48% of our workers—just staff team—who are identified as diagnosed or undiagnosed or divergent of some sort. And we believe that if we’ve got at least 20% of the population who are divergent, then being able to recognize their strengths and bring those into workplaces is of great value for everybody, ” says LDS executive director Rachel Forbes. “It means people are being seen for who they are and it means they’re feeling confident they can be themselves in their workplace.”
What truly sets LDS apart is its holistic and inclusive approach. No formal diagnosis is required to join the program. And when helpful, the process can include parents, guardians, doctors, counsellors or other professionals. LDS understands that every learner is different—and they’ve built a system that embraces those differences rather than working around them.