Lacey Trades Career Education Fund

The Lacey Trades Career Education Fund is an Open fund and was established in 2025 by Lacey Construction in Mission, BC, to provide targeted support for grade 11 students that are attending Ecole Mission Secondary School. These students are pursuing grade 12 trades programs at Riverside College. While tuition at Riverside College is free for students under 19, the cost of supplies necessary for the programs can present a significant barrier for many students. This fund will assist two students each year with financial support of supply costs for any trade program offered at Riverside College. Recipients are selected in close collaboration with the school’s Trades advisor, and staff ensuring that the support directly aligns with the students’ individual needs and career goals. This fund offers an opportunity for students to pursue their trade education without the added financial stress.  

“This fund will impact a lot of students, for years to come, that might need the extra support with funds for their need for personal supplies for their trade studies. We are so fortunate to have trades companies, like Lacey Development, that see the needs of the community and step up to see how real giving, even with small amounts, and how it helps with the self-worth of these awesome students that might not have the opportunity to attend a trades school”, says MCF Board Chair, Shelley Carter.  

President of Lacey Construction Erik Lacey says “Trades careers are vital to the future of our community. They provide well paying jobs in a variety of industries vital to the economic development of the City of Mission. We see a vision of collaborating with other companies in Mission to add to this fund over time supporting more youth in accessing training in trades.” The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) 2025 Wage and Benefits Survey highlights a stark reality: 72% of BC contractors are struggling to find skilled tradespeople. This shortage of skilled tradespeople leads to slowdowns in housing, infrastructure and more. As a community, Mission Community Foundation supports students at Riverside College and this new partnership with Lacey Construction will increase access for Mission students pursuing careers in trades.