B.C. bringing back skilled trades certificates
Posted June 11, 2021 12:20 pm.
Last Updated June 11, 2021 12:21 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — The provincial government is bringing back trades certification, in an effort to address a labour shortage and create opportunities for women and minorities.
The new made-in-B.C. certification system for 10 mechanical, electrical and automotive trades will be implemented in phases after a public engagement process.
Victoria says it will help deliver steady employment for people and address the demand for skilled workers in B.C., while also creating more opportunities for women, Indigenous people, and those just starting their careers.
Premier John Horgan says the focus is on ensuring employees are trained properly, fairly paid and have steady work and #BC is the only province in #Canada with non-compulsory certification which was removed when Gordon Campbell was Premier in 2003. #bcpoli @NEWS1130
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) June 11, 2021
“Skilled trades certification recognizes the professionalism of tradespeople throughout B.C., and ensures equity-deserving groups and every person who wants a rewarding career in the trades can access the highest level of education and training,” Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, said in a release. “Similar to a post-secondary degree, a certified trades worker has a certification that is recognized by employers – just like teachers, lab techs, nurses and other certified workers. By recognizing the worker’s skill, we will attract more people into careers in the trades in order to help address labour shortages across a variety of trades.”
In 2003, the provincial government eliminated B.C.’s trades credentialing system, removing 11 compulsory trades and journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios.
In a statement from BCFED, it adds, the program will put the province “back on the map as a trades-training powerhouse.”
“Ensuring workers have access to full training and certification means BC will avoid trades shortages, future-proofing our economy while lifting up workers with high-quality, lifetime careers,” Laird Cronk, President of the BC Federation of Labour, added.
The government is aiming to introduce legislation next spring to support the implementation of the new certification system, with the first changes expected in the electrical and mechanical trades by 2023 and in automotive by 2025.
About 73,000 job openings are expected in the trades in B.C. through to 2029 with about 77 per cent of those replacing retiring workers.
B.C. removed the requirement that tradespeople be certified in 2003, making it the only jurisdiction in Canada without a system for compulsory credentials.
The decision to re-launch certification was based on recommendations from a stakeholder advisory group that includes representatives from industry associations, labour and post-secondary institutions.
A public engagement process happening now through the fall will seek input on key aspects of the change, including how to help current trades workers get certified.
– With files from Nikitha Martins
