New trades certification rules adopted by the provincial government will take effect in December which will require mechanical and electrical tradespeople to either be registered as apprentices or Red Seal certified as journeyman.
The Skilled Trades Certification program is being implemented in phases and eventually will apply to 10 trades in B.C.
The upcoming changes will be explained in a free open-house session offered by SkilledTradesBC (formerly known as Industry Trades Authority) this Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard Prince George, 900 Brunswick St.
Members of the SkilledTradesBC leadership team and skilled trades advisors, as well as local apprenticeship advisors will be on hand to explain the provincial program and what is required for employees and employers.
B.C. eliminated skills training requirements in 2003 and was the only province without that requirement. New legislation passed in February 2022 reinstated recognized credentials which the NDP government anticipates will encourage more workers to take up trades. Once the program is in place, workers will have at least one year to register for apprenticeships or take a certification exam.
In the initial phase, the 10 trades that will require certification are refrigeration/air conditioning mechanic, steamfitter/pipefitter, gasfitter (Class A and B), powerline technician, sheet metal worker, industrial electrician, electrician (construction), heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician and autobody/collision technician.
More information is available on the website.
