Time to Take Action: Skilled Trades Certification Implementation Coming December 1, 2023
A year ago, the 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.
The first seven Electrical and Mechanical trades were selected and were given one year to transition. With the implementation date fast approaching, it’s important for businesses and workers to understand what they need to do in order to meet the requirements.
The seven trades designated as Skilled Trades Certification trades are:
- Construction Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Powerline Technician
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Gasfitter A & B
- Steamfitter/Pipefitter
- Sheet Metal Worker
Uncertified trade workers in these seven trades will be required to either register as an apprentice or become a certified journeyperson as of December 1, 2023. Employers with workers in any of the Skilled Trades Certification trades will need to ensure they meet the requirements.
Online Forms Now Available on Portal
Workers can now 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 applications, track its status, and manage their apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Certification-related tasks from both their computers and mobile phones.
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.
Employers who haven’t yet registered with SkilledTradesBC will soon be able to create a new profile on the Portal and submit Skilled Trades Certification-related information.
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions
SkilledTradesBC will be hosting virtual information sessions for those who are impacted so that they can better understand what steps they’ll need to take and ask questions. Registration is required and all session dates are now available on the SkilledTradesBC’s website.
New Supports for Skilled Trades Certification
In addition to the provincial and federal support available for registered employers and apprentices, SkilledTradesBC has also enhanced support to those who are in the Skilled Trades Certification trades, including the following:
- Waived exam fees for the 7 Skilled Trades Certification trades before December 1, 2023.
- 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, 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 the Contact Form Skilled Trades Certification page.
For the most up-to-date information including announcements, step-by-step instructions on how to apply, and what responsibilities employers have, please visit skilledtradesbc.ca/skilledtradescertification.