What is JABC TechWorks? 

JABC TechWorks is a technology career program designed for high school students. Available both virtually and in-person, it provides a platform for youth to explore technology and tech-related careers while gaining valuable insights into the education, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in a tech-enabled world.

During the 2023-2024 school year, over 6,700 youth from urban, rural, and Indigenous communities across B.C. participated in JABC TechWorks—a 41% increase from the previous year. The program remains highly sought after by educators and students alike, offering participants opportunities to hear from leading companies such as Amazon, Best Buy, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Teck Resources, TELUS, Accenture, and more.

Purpose Statement

JABC TechWorks connects youth with the skills and careers of tomorrow by demonstrating how technology influences every job and every future. This engaging educational experience inspires, informs, and equips B.C. high school students with a foundational understanding of tech-related and tech-enabled careers. Through the program, students build the skills, mindset, and self-awareness needed to explore and pursue opportunities in a future-focused workforce.

Aligned with the Career Life Connections curriculum, JABC TechWorks fosters self-assessment, critical thinking, and career exploration, helping students transition confidently from high school to post-secondary pathways and beyond.

Why JABC Launched TechWorks

According to the B.C. Labour Market Outlook, 998,000 job openings are projected in British Columbia over the next decade (2023-2033), with 345,000 new jobs created due to economic growth.

B.C.’s technology sector is among the province’s top five industries, contributing more to the economy than traditional sectors such as forestry, mining, and oil & gas. Notably, the technology sector has experienced one of the strongest employment growth rates over the past 15 years.

Looking ahead, the occupational outlook for the next decade highlights the transformative role of technology—such as artificial intelligence, large language models, and automation—in reshaping the labour market in unexpected ways. Future employees will need to be highly skilled, adaptable, and prepared for a workplace where technology influences every job.

The Launch of JABC TechWorks

Launched in 2017 in Vancouver, JABC TechWorks was created to address the growing influence of technology on the career landscape. Since its inception, the program has expanded to cities like Kelowna and Victoria and now features a hybrid model with both in-person and virtual programming, enabling us to reach even more youth across the province.

Building upon JA Economics for Success—a program that highlights the connection between post-secondary education, earning potential, and quality of life—JABC TechWorks inspires youth to consider their educational choices and explore careers in B.C.’s technology sector and beyond.

We are proud to partner with leading organizations that are shaping the jobs of the future, providing students with unique insights into this dynamic and ever-evolving field.