British Columbians to benefit from trades training support

Feb 11, 2022 | 9:58 AM

The B.C. Government is helping support people further their skills in trades with more training seats and supports.

The province has provided the Industry Training Authority (ITA) with $5 million to help British Columbians start their apprenticeships or upgrade their skills in the mechanical, electrical and automotive trades at recognized post-secondary and trades training schools.

The training opportunities in 70 programs at 15 post-secondary institutions in B.C. The ITA funds approximately 27,000 apprenticeship and foundation seats annually.

“The trades training system in British Columbia supports trades workers to get the hands-on experiences they need to strengthen their careers,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

“Approximately 85,000 additional job openings are expected in the trades in B.C. by 2031. We are committed to ensuring that people starting a career in the trades or looking to certify have the supports they need to continue to get the well-paying job of their dreams as they contribute to a stronger B.C.”

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To support the investment in training opportunities, the ITA is hiring five additional apprenticeship advisors. There will be one new advisor in Kelowna North, one in the Southern Interior and three in the Lower Mainland, bringing the total number of advisors in B.C. to 25. These advisors provide guidance to apprentices and employer sponsors or process and policies relating to apprenticeship.

“We’re delighted to work with government and training providers to facilitate funding that will directly increase training program seats and supports, which will allow more people to enter trades training and achieve certification,” said Shelley Gray, CEO of ITA.

“We remain committed to ensuring apprentices, tradespeople, those interested in skilled trades, including women, Indigenous communities and other equity-seeking groups, have the opportunity to access training and support they need to succeed in their career.”

The province also intends to update the Training Authority Act to include trades certification for mechanical, electrical and automotive trades. Once implemented, individuals working in these trades will be required to be a certified journeyperson or a registered apprentice in order to work. British Columbians in these trades will have at least a year to either register as an apprentice or challenge an exam to certify as a journeyperson.

by Liam Verster

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