SOURCE: Construction Foundation of BC
News Release: July 5, 2023 — Langford, BC
The Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) and the Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia (ECABC) are excited to announce the creation of the ECABC Jack Funk Scholarship, providing financial support to electrical apprentices in British Columbia.
The scholarship honours the memory of Jack Funk, a long-time electrical contractor and leader in British Columbia. Funk ran his electrical contracting business for 45 years and served as President of ECABC from 1994-96. The scholarship reflects his commitment to training and supporting future generations of electrical apprentices and contractors.
“Providing financial and educational supports to electrical apprentices is an important action for ECABC to encourage the next generation of electrical workers,” said Derek Fettback, Chair of ECABC and Vice President of Western Pacific Enterprises. “An electrical apprenticeship is a great way to gain experience and make money while pursuing an education and developing your skills.”
Registered apprentices enrolled in Years 1-4 of their electrical apprenticeship and employed by an ECABC contractor member can apply for the scholarship. They must be receiving their electrical apprenticeship training through an approved BC training institution. There are six individual $1,000 scholarships available, including:
- Three for electrical apprentices in Metro Vancouver
- One for electrical apprentices on Vancouver Island
- One for electrical apprentices in the Interior and Northern BC regions
- One for a line technician apprentice
- The successful candidates will be selected by a panel comprised of ECABC board members and staff, following a review process and recommendations from the CFBC.
“There has never been a better time for young people to pursue a career in the electrical trades,” said Matt MacInnis, ECABC President. “ECABC’s members and their employees are making remarkable contributions to building BC’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.”
ABOUT ECABC
The Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia (ECABC) represents approximately 140 members across the province including open shop and IBEW-signatory electrical contractors; line utility contractors; and manufacturers, distributors and suppliers. ECABC’s members are critical to the construction of electricity generation projects, transmission infrastructure, homes, hospitals, EV charging stations and much more. In a world that is increasingly powered by renewable electricity, ECABC’s members have never been more vital to building the infrastructure B.C. families and communities need.
ABOUT CFBC
CFBC builds community through charitable initiatives and a commitment to industry-focused education and research that benefits all British Columbians. The Foundation’s fundraising campaigns have raised millions of dollars since it’s inception in 2012, outfitting British Columbia shop classes with new equipment, providing driver training to youth in and from care, connecting educators with professional development opportunities, awarding young people with bursaries to continue their trades education, and providing much-needed support to educational programs.
MEDIA CONTACT
Colleen McConnell
Director of Communications, Construction Foundation of BC
pr@constructionfoundation.ca
www.constructionfoundation.ca