New law supports trades workers and apprentices

Skilled BC tradespeople will benefit from a made-in-BC system to support and train apprentices.

The Skilled Trades BC Act received Royal Assent on Thursday, March 10, 2022, supporting the crucial work of skilled tradespeople across the province.

Skilled trades certification will require individuals to register as apprentices or be certified journeypersons to work in one of the initial 10 mechanical, electrical and automotive trades.

The certification of these initial professions will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024.

People will have at least a year to register as apprentices or take a certification exam as a journeyperson, giving uncertified workers time to access any additional support they may need while continuing to work.

Twenty-five learning advisors will help workers register for certification and help them access government-provided support, such as financial assistance for childcare, lost wages, travel and living expenses .

The new legislation replaces the Industry Training Authority Act and transforms the Industry Training Authority into SkilledTradesBC. The modernized Crown agency is responsible for skilled trades training in British Columbia. SkilledTradesBC’s renewed focus reflects the expanded responsibilities associated with skilled trades certification.

Among supports for trades workers seeking certification, province is providing $5 million to Industry Training Authority Eliminate waiting lists for priority trades programs so that more tradespeople can access training or upgrade and refresher courses to complete their apprenticeship training and certification.

Fast facts:

• The skilled trades certification trades are:
  • mechanics: class A and B gas fitter, steam fitter/pipe fitter, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic and sheet metal worker;
  • electrical: power line worker, industrial electrician and electrician (construction); and
  • Automotive: Heavy Equipment Technician, Automotive Service Technician, and Body and Collision Technician.
• The 10 trades initially identified for skilled trades certification were selected based on recommendations from a 16-member advisory working group, which included representatives from industry associations, labor groups, post-secondary institutions, Aboriginal skills trainers and the Industry Training Authority.

Learn more:

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

Learn more about the Industry Training Authority: https://www.itabc.ca/