CLR Connector TIME TO TAKE ACTION: CERTIFICATION IMPLEMENTATION COMING DECEMBER 1, 2023
A year ago, 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 mandatory certification.
The first seven Electrical and Mechanical trades were selected and were given one year to transition. With less than two months left until the implementation date, 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
Employers with workers performing the scope of work under any of above trades will need to ensure that they are either an apprentice, certified journeyperson, or have applied to challenge a level or certification exam.
Online Forms Coming Soon on Portal
Workers and employers will soon be able to 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 will be 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.
- Uncertified Experienced Workers: Highly experienced workers applying to be issued 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.
- Employers who haven’t yet registered with SkilledTradesBC can create a new profile on the Portal, submit Skilled Trades Certification-related information and applications, register as a sponsor and report hours for their apprentices online.
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions
SkilledTradesBC will be hosting virtual information sessions for those who are impacted to better understand what steps they’ll need to take and ask questions. Registration is required and upcoming session dates will be announced 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 supports to those who are in the Skilled Trades Certification trades, including the following:
- Waived exam fees for Skilled Trades Certification trades
- 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, or 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 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.