The Skilled Trades BC (formerly Industry Training Authority) leads and coordinates B.C.’s skilled trades system, ITA certificate of apprenticeship, by working with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and government to issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.

The change will formally recognize the skills of trades workers, which the province says will help them receive standardized training, earn higher wages and better navigate evolving industry needs.

Steps to Apply for a ITA Certificate of Qualification-

“Tradespeople in B.C. need to be recognized for their skills,” said Andrew Mercier, parliamentary secretary for skills training. “Our made-in-B.C. skilled trades certification system increases prestige in the trades, while providing workers with more consistent access to better, safer and higher-paid jobs.”

The first phase of certification will apply to some electrical and mechanical trades, Canada certificate. These include electrician, industrial electrician, powerline technician, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, gasfitter A and B, steamfitter/pipefitter, and sheet metal worker.

Uncertified trade workers in these trades will be required to register as an apprentice or pass a certification exam before Dec. 1, 2023. Three additional automotive trades will be added to certification in 2024 when phase two begins and will also have one year to transition once announced.