B.C. rolls out skilled trades certification

March 11, 2022

Having announced last summer that it was introducing new skilled trades certification, British Columbia says the rules will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024.

The new legislation — the Skilled Trades BC Act which received royal assent on March 10, 2022 — will apply to 10 trades in the mechanical, electrical and automotive sectors.

People working in those trades will have to be a certified journeyperson or registered apprentice. They will have at least one year to register as an apprentice or challenge an exam to certify as a journeyperson, which gives uncertified workers time to access any additional supports they may need while continuing to work, says the government.

In addition, 25 apprenticeship advisors will help workers register to certify and help people with accessing support provided by the government, such as financial assistance for child care, lost wages, travel and living expenses.

The province is also providing $5 million to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to address waiting lists for priority trades programs so that more tradespeople can access training or upgrading and refresher courses to complete apprenticeship training and certification.

Source: HR Reporter