History

In 2003, the B.C. government established the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and moved to a non-compulsory trades credentialing system. This removed 11 compulsory trades as well as prescribed journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios.

Under the current non-compulsory system, the ITA offers certification in nearly 100 trades programs, involving a combination of work-based and classroom training delivered by designated training providers throughout the province. Fifty-one of these programs are Red Seal trades governed by a national standard and result in a Red Seal credential recognized nationally. The remaining trades programs follow a provincial standard and are typically designed at the request of industry, often to support sector or industry-specific training needs such as renewable energy, ship-building or other occupations stemming from emerging sectors.

In October 2019, a Stakeholder Advisory Working Group was established to provide recommendations for which trades would benefit from skilled trades certification. We are now asking the public, trades workers and industry experts to provide input on how to best introduce skilled trades certification for 10 trades. This work is to support those currently working in the affected trades and those who will take these career paths in the future.

Further details can be found in the business case and external reports.