Updated as of January 12, 2023
Contents
- About Skilled Trades Certification
- Implementation
- Are you impacted?
- New supports for Skilled Trades Certification
- Events and Information Sessions
- FAQ
- Resources
- Contact us
About Skilled Trades Certification
With more than 85,000 job openings expected in the next decade, there has never been a better time to join the skilled trades. We know British Columbia’s future economy depends on having more skilled trades people, from diverse backgrounds, building the province of tomorrow.
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 trades certification system for two decades. Skilled Trades Certification looks to standardize the training apprentices receive and works to level the playing field, helping to attract a diverse workforce.
It’s part of SkilledTradesBC’s broadened responsibility for trades training, as set out in the Skilled Trades BC Act, and applies to the following ten trades:
| Phase 1 | 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 |
These trades were chosen because they are in high demand, contain relatively low numbers of uncertified workers, and are regulated by other regulators for safety and workmanship. This will allow for the least disruption to workers and employers while we transition to a Skilled Trades Certification system over the coming months and years.
Phase one of Skilled Trades Certification focuses on seven trades in electrical and mechanical sectors. Uncertified trade workers in those trades will be required to register as an apprentice or pass a certification exam before December 1, 2023. Three additional automotive trades will be introduced as Skilled Trades Certification trades in 2024 when phase two begins and will also have one year to transition once announced.
Government news release can be found here.
Implementation
Implementation is currently underway, starting with electrical and mechanical trades. Each trade has a one-year transition period starting December 1, 2022, which will allow uncertified workers to register as an apprentice or become certified by challenging a certification exam. Businesses can prepare for implementation by ensuring workers are registered apprentices or certified journeypeople and making any adjustments necessary to ensure their successful transition to Skilled Trades Certification.
If you are a worker or employer in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades and want to start your journey to Skilled Trades Certification now, contact our customer service to see whether you’re already on track or to get on the pathway to certification today.
Are you impacted?
| Skilled Trades Training System Participants | What are the impacts? |
| A registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades |
There will be no impact to you. If you have questions or need support during your apprenticeship training, our customer service team and apprenticeship advisors are here to help. |
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An uncertified worker in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades and have:
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Click here to find out how you can begin your apprenticeship journey and work towards certification. |
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An uncertified worker in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades and have:
|
Click here for more information |
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An uncertified worker in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades and have:
|
Click here for more information |
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A registered apprentice or a certified tradesperson NOT in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades |
There will be no impact to you |
| An employer in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades |
Click here for more information |
New Supports for Skilled Trades Certification
In addition to the provincial and federal supports available to registered employers and apprentices, we have also enhanced our supports to customers in the Skilled Trades Certification trades. For more information or to access these supports, please contact our customer service team.
Industry-wide supports
- Increased apprenticeship training seats and certification support through additional funding over the next three years.
- Expanded Apprenticeship Advisors team with increased regional representation and an enhanced focus on removing barriers and providing customized support for individual apprentices.
- Set up a new dedicated team of Skilled Trades Certification Advisors across the province to enhance worker and employer supports and help with a seamless transition.
Examination supports
- All Skilled Trades Certification trades exam fees will be waived until the enforcement date to encourage workers to get on the pathway to certification.
- There will be exam preparation information and webinar sessions available in early 2023 to cover best practices and strategies to help you succeed on the exams.
- Accommodation requests based on individual needs such as using a translator, translation dictionary, reader or requesting additional exam time can be submitted through the SkilledTradesBC Portal or exam accommodation request form while scheduling an exam. (See Exam Accommodation Policy for more information)
Learning supports and accommodations for Trade Qualifiers in need
Here are the supports available to Trade Qualifiers (Experienced workers who have more than 9,000 verifiable work-based training hours and plan to challenge certification exams):
- Interprovincial Exam refresher courses for Skilled Trades Certification trades will be delivered by training providers, subsidized by SkilledTradesBC.
- Trade Qualifiers who have learning difficulties may be eligible to work with a Learning Strategist through the Virtual Learning Strategist online learning platform to develop customized learning plans and study strategies tailored to individual learning styles.
- Learning support assessment will be available for those who do not have access to a professional assessment so accommodations can be identified and provided.
- In the event Trade Qualifiers need multiple attempts to complete an exam, the following upgrading supports are available:
- Refresher courses referrals,
- Technical and essential skills tutoring,
- One-on-one support,
- Accommodations arrangements (See Exam Accommodation Policy for more information)
Events and Information Sessions
All events and dates are subject to change. Be sure to check here or our social media for updates.
Virtual Information Sessions
| Date | Time | Registration |
| February 7 (Tuesday) | 2:30 p.m. | Click here to register |
| February 21 (Tuesday) | 12:00 p.m. | Click here to register |
| March 9 (Thursday) | 4:30 p.m. | Click here to register |
| March 23 (Thursday) | 2:30 p.m. | Click here to register |
| April 6 (Thursday) | 12:00 p.m. | Click here to register |
In-person Events
Stay tuned for more updates including venues and additional events!
| Events | Details |
|
SkilledTradesBC Open House -Kamloops |
January 31 (Tuesday) 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. (drop in any time during the two hours, no registration required) Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops, 540 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC
|
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Fort St. John |
February 22 (Wednesday) 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (drop in any time during the two hours, no registration required) North Peace Cultural Centre, 10015 - 100 Avenue, Fort St John, BC |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Surrey | February 28 (Tuesday) |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Vernon |
March 7 (Tuesday) 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (drop in any time during the two hours, no registration required) Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre, 3914 32nd Street, Vernon, BC |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Kelowna | March 8 (Wednesday) |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Abbotsford | March 14 (Tuesday) |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Nanaimo |
March 28 (Tuesday) 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (drop in any time during the two hours, no registration required) Vancouver Island Conference Center, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, BC |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Victoria |
March 29 (Wednesday) 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (drop in any time during the two hours, no registration required) Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Vancouver | April 5 (Wednesday) |
| SkilledTradesBC Open House -Prince George | April 11 (Tuesday) |
FAQ
Click here for FAQ regarding Skilled Trades Certification
Resources
Contact Us
If you are an uncertified worker or an employer in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades and want to start your journey to Skilled Trades Certification now, contact our customer support via email or call to see whether you’re already on track or to get on the pathway to certification today.
Customer Service
T: 778-328-8700
Toll Free in BC: 1-866-660-6011
customerservice@skilledtradesbc.ca