BC Government: Increasing apprenticeship training seats, supports for trades workers

Press Release

Feb. 11, 2022

VICTORIA – People looking to start or complete an apprenticeship in the trades will have more training seats and supports as British Columbia prepares to implement skilled trades certification.

The Province has provided $5 million to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) so that more trades workers can start an apprenticeship or upgrade their skills at recognized post-secondary and trades training providers across B.C. The funding will support apprentices re-entering or completing apprenticeship training in the mechanical, electrical and automotive trades included in skilled trades certification.

“The trades training system in British Columbia supports trades workers to get the hands-on experiences they need to strengthen their careers,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “Approximately 85,000 additional job openings are expected in the trades in B.C. by 2031. We are committed to ensuring that people starting a career in the trades or looking to certify have the supports they need to continue to get the well-paying job of their dreams as they contribute to a stronger B.C.”

Technical training in more than 70 trades programs is offered at 15 public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C., as well as non-public post-secondary institutions. The ITA funds approximately 27,000 apprenticeship and foundation training seats annually.

“Tradespeople in B.C. bring so many skills to the work they do, and ensuring they have access to the training and supports they need to hone their craft is important,” said Andrew Mercier, Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training. “This investment in the apprenticeship system will ensure more trades workers can start and continue a meaningful career where their work really makes a difference in the everyday lives of British Columbians.”

Skilled trades certification legislation to update the Industry Training Authority Act will be introduced to the legislative assembly during the spring session.

“We’re delighted to work with government and training providers to facilitate funding that will directly increase training program seats and supports, which will allow more people to enter trades training and achieve certification,” said Shelley Gray, CEO, ITA. “We remain committed to ensuring apprentices, tradespeople, those interested in skilled trades, including women, Indigenous communities and other equity-seeking groups, have the opportunity to access training and support they need to succeed in their career.”

To further support tradespeople and employer sponsors in the certification process, the ITA is also hiring an additional five apprenticeship advisors (one in Kelowna North, one in Southern Interior and three in the Lower Mainland) for a total of 25 advisors working throughout the province. Apprenticeship advisors provide guidance to apprentices and employer sponsors on processes and policies relating to apprenticeship, and they help build community knowledge and awareness of B.C.’s apprenticeship system.

“We are excited about the opportunities offered through skilled trades certification and our expanded team of apprentice advisors is ready to give on-the-ground support to apprentices and employer sponsors and remove any barriers that may arise throughout the apprenticeship journey,” said Pam Eales, manager of apprenticeship advisors, ITA.

Learn More:

Learn more about skilled trades certification: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/skilledtrades

Learn more about the ITA: https://www.itabc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training
Media Relations
250 833-0969

BACKGROUNDER

Skilled trades certification in British Columbia

British Columbia is the only province in Canada without a compulsory trades credentialling system. Without a recognized credential, it can be challenging for workers to transition between projects and industries, resulting in lost wages for workers and their families, especially for people who face greater barriers to employment in the trades.

Skilled trades certification will support steady work and good-paying jobs for tradespeople by formally recognizing the skills of current and future workers. This will help workers continue working as the economy’s and industry’s needs shift over time. It will increase prestige for the trades and help attract more people to trades careers. Skilled trades certification will enhance the strong industry and safety training system, which includes partnerships with WorkSafeBC and Technical Safety BC.

The 10 trades initially identified for skilled trades certification were selected based on recommendations from a 16-member stakeholder advisory working group, which included representation from industry associations, labour groups, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous skills trainers and the Industry Training Authority.

The skilled trades certification trades are:

• mechanical: gasfitter Class A and B, steamfitter/pipefitter, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, and sheet metal worker.
• electrical: powerline technician, industrial electrician and electrician (construction).
• automotive: heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician and autobody and collision technician.

Once implemented, individuals in these 10 trades will be required to either be a certified journeyperson or a registered apprentice to work. People will have at least one year to either register as apprentices or challenge an exam to certify as a journeyperson, allowing uncertified workers time to access any additional supports they may need while continuing to work.

To ensure high standards of supervision, safety and quality training for apprentices, government will work with industry to introduce journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios for each of these 10 trades, as in every other province.

Contact:

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training
Media Relations
250 833-0969

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect

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