SOURCE: SkilledTradesBC

A year ago, Industry Training Authority was renamed SkilledTradesBC by the provincial government and was given an expanded mandate, including the implementation of Skilled Trades Certification, also known as compulsory trades.

As of December 1, 2023, the first seven Electrical and Mechanical trades will be implemented. If you are an affected employer or worker, it’s not too late to take action. It’s important to understand what you need to do in order to meet the requirements and SkilledTradesBC is here to help guide anyone with questions or who requires support.

The seven trades now designated as Skilled Trades Certification trades are:

• Construction Electrician      
• Industrial Electrician   
• Powerline Technician                 
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Gasfitter Class A & B
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Sheet Metal Worker

Unregistered and uncertified workers in these seven trades are required to be registered as an apprentice or be a certified journeyperson. Employers with workers in any of the Skilled Trades Certification trades need to ensure adequate on the job learning and supervision by maintaining the 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson ratio.

Online Forms Available on Portal

The fastest and easiest way workers can get on the pathway to meeting the new requirements is to register with SkilledTradesBC and submit online forms through the Portal. The SkilledTradesBC Portal is a self-service web tool that offers a seamless and efficient way for users to submit their information or applications, track its status, and manage their apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Certification-related tasks from both their computers and mobile phones.

New online features are now available for:

• Apprentices: Workers with less than one year of experience registering their apprenticeship with a sponsor.
• Trade Qualifiers: Experienced workers applying to write the final certification exam in their trade and get their Red Seal or Certificate of Qualification. Applicable to eligible trades only.
• Uncertified Experienced Workers: Highly experienced workers applying to be issued a Temporary Authorization to continue working in their trade for up to 5 years before moving off the tools. Applicable to Skilled Trades Certification trades only.

Once Trade Qualifiers and Uncertified Experienced Workers have applied online, they may continue working in their trade while waiting for their results. Upon approval, they will receive a Temporary Authorization, allowing them to work toward the requirements without interruption.

New: Employer Declaration

SkilledTradesBC has introduced a new Employer Declaration for all employers of workers in Skilled Trades Certification trades to share more details about their workforce. The information gathered will be used to identify workers and employers in Skilled Trades Certification trades, help in understanding more about their existing workforce and provide assistance to those who may need support in meeting the requirements.  

Employers who do not have an organizational profile yet on the customer portal can sign up for a new account and complete the Employer Declaration as part of the registration process.

Employers who already have a Portal account will see a pop-up message appear the next time they log in, requesting workforce information to be filled out.

To learn more about how you can prepare to answer the form, visit the employer page on the website.

Supports for Skilled Trades Certification  

In addition to the provincial and federal supports available for registered employers and apprentices, SkilledTradesBC has also enhanced supports to those who are in the Skilled Trades Certification trades, including the following:  

• Self-assessment tool for workers to evaluate what level is appropriate to challenge or register at 
• Subsidized refresher courses
• Tailored exam accommodations based on an individual’s needs, which could include additional exam time, a translation dictionary, or a reader, etc.  

Ask Questions and Get in Touch

Skilled Trades Certification Advisors are located throughout the province to provide support and are on hand to help businesses and workers transition to Skilled Trades Certification. They can be contacted through this Contact Form.

For the most up to date information including frequently asked questions, step-by-step instructions on how to apply, and what responsibilities employers have, please visit skilledtradesbc.ca/skilledtradescertification.