Implementation of Skilled Trades Certification
On December 1, 2022, Industry Training Authority (ITA) transitioned to a new name, SkilledTradesBC, along with an expanded focus on raising the profile of skilled trades, modernizing approach to trades training, and implementing Skilled Trades Certification.
While British Columbia has a strong and effective trades training system that offers multiple pathways for individuals to achieve certification, it has not had a mandatory system in two decades. Skilled Trades Certification will formally recognize skills of trades workers, attracting more people to trades careers and meet the labour market demand.
As set out in the Skilled Trades BC Act, Skilled Trades Certification applies to the following ten trades, starting with seven electrical and mechanical trades. Each trade has a one-year transition period from December 1, 2022. Three automotive trades will be introduced as Skilled Trades Certification trades in 2024 and will also have one year to transition once announced.
Phase 1 | Phase 2 | |
Electrical trades | Mechanical trades | Automotive trades |
1. Construction Electrician | 4. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic | 8. Heavy Duty Equipment Technician |
2. Industrial Electrician | 5. Gasfitter A & B | 9. Automotive Service Technician |
3. Powerline Technician | 6. Steamfitter/Pipefitter | 10. Auto Body and Collision Technician |
7. Sheet Metal Worker |
To meet the requirements of Skilled Trades Certification, as an Employer, you need to:
- Ensure workers in the Skilled Trades Certification trades are registered apprentices or certified journeypeople
- Meet prescribed 2:1 apprentices to journeyperson supervision ratios
- Keep accurate employee qualification records
More supports are in place to assist apprentices to work towards certification, including waiving exam fees for STC trades and providing self-assessment forms to help apprentices determine most suitable level exam to challenge. Exam accommodations based on individual needs such as using a translator, translation dictionary, a reader or requesting additional exam time will also be available.
For more Skilled Trades Certification information, visit https://skilledtradesbc.ca/skilledtradescertification.
> What is a Trade Apprenticeship?What is a Trade Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential, such as a Certificate of Qualification (CoQ) or Red Seal. It lets you put your brain and body to work doing something you love. It’s a chance to sharpen your skills, get better at your craft, and turn ideas into things you can see, smell, taste, and touch.
Paid training, a satisfying, hands-on career, flexibility—these are just a few of the great reasons to consider a career in the skilled trades. And the demand is strong: by 2032, there will be up to 83,000 job openings in B.C., and many will require trades training.
> Steps to Become a Certified TradespersonSteps to Become a Certified Tradesperson
Step 1 | Understand your trade
Once you’ve selected a trade and found an sponsor employer, register your apprenticeship and review your program profile carefully. Talk about it with your sponsor employer, and if anything is unclear ask your sponsor employer or ask an Apprenticeship Advisor. Pay attention to details like how many levels of technical training you need, the number of hours you’ll need to work, and information about your final certification exam. Communication is key—make sure that both you and your employer review the profile and understand the requirements to achieve certification. |
Step 2 | Understand the relationship with your sponsor and/or employer
Every registered apprentice has both an employer and a sponsor. The employer hires you and pays for your work; the sponsor commits to helping you get opportunities to learn on the job and reports on your progress. In most cases, the employer and sponsor are the same person or organization. Building a good working relationship with them is important to make sure the investment in you benefits everyone. |
Step 3 | Register for school
Sign up for technical training with an approved training provider. You may find a school in your community, or you may have to travel to relocate for a couple of weeks each year. Check out Trade Programs. Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC provide a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade. Be sure to sign up for classes as early as possible to secure a seat. It’s important to communicate with your employer sponsor about the best time to be in school. You want to go to school about once every year so you can get a balance of in-school theory and on-the-job practical experience. |
Step 4 | Track your hours and report them every 3 to 6 months
Sign into your Portal account often to make sure the hours you have worked have been recorded. If your hours are not up to date, talk to your sponsor employer. |
Step 5 | Pass your final certification exam with 70%
You will be tested on your entire apprenticeship during the final certification exam. Your instructor will spend some time on exam preparation, including a review of the theory from all levels of technical training. Take advantage of this, spend time to prepare, and consider applying for an exam accommodation if you require additional support. Rewrites are available if you don’t pass on the first attempt. |
Step 6 | Track your certification
After you’ve completed your work-based training hours, technical training and exams, SkilledTradesBC will ask your employer sponsor and the certified journeyperson who supervised you to sign a Recommendation for Certification (RFC). Ensure your employer sponsor signs and returns the form to SkilledTradesBC. Once we receive the signed RFC, we’ll send the certificate package to your employer sponsor, who is then responsible for signing your certificates and sending them to you. Then you’re officially certified! Upon certification, Red Seal tradespersons may apply for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, a taxable grant for $2000. |
> Apprenticeship AdvisorsSkilledTradesBC Apprenticeship Advisors
Apprenticeship Advisors are available to provide 1-on-1 support to sponsors and apprentices who have any questions or need additional information.
> Financial SupportsFinancial Supports For Apprentices
Financial support is available for employers and apprentices registered with SkilledTradesBC.
For apprentices, support includes:
Grants
Red Seal apprentices may be eligible for taxable cash grants of up to $4000.
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Registered apprentices may be eligible for income tax credits from the B.C. government.
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The Canada Apprentice Loan offers interest-free loans to help registered apprentices with the cost of their training.
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Registered apprentices may be eligible for temporary support while they attend approved training for their apprenticeship. The Employment Program of British Columbia (EPBC) supports apprentices through a network of WorkBC Apprentice Services.
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There are 20 organizations throughout BC that provide support to Indigenous peoples for employment and training, including funding opportunities, access to childcare, job-finding skills, and more.
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For employers, support includes:
Tax Credits and Employer Training Grants
For employers of registered apprentices.
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