British Columbia Introduces Legislation to Modernize Skilled Trades Governance
This week BC introduced Bill 4, the Skilled Trades BC Act, which seeks to “lay the foundation to address labour shortages, and support and recognize the critical work that skilled tradespeople do in British Columbia.” The modernization of skilled trades governance comes from the growing concerns of an expected labour storage which is estimated to have 85,000 openings in skilled trades over the next decade.
In 2003, compulsory skilled trades certification was eliminated in the province, making B.C. the only province without this requirement. The new act will establish a crown agency – SkilledTradesBC -- an agency that would focus on supporting and training apprentices. Skilled trades certification will require people to register as an apprentice or be a certified journeyperson to work in one of the 10 initial mechanical, electrical and automotive trades.
Skilled trades certification for 10 initial trades will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024, pending the passage of legislation. The 10 trades initially identified for certification were selected based on recommendations from a 16-member stakeholder advisory working group, which included representation from industry associations, labour, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous skills trainers and the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
The skilled trades certification trades are:
- Mechanical: gasfitter Class A and B, steamfitter/pipefitter, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, and sheet metal worker.
- Electrical: powerline technician, industrial electrician and electrician (construction).
- Automotive: heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician; and autobody and collision technician.
Once implemented, individuals in these 10 trades will be required to either be a certified journeyperson or a registered apprentice to work. People will have at least one year to either register as apprentices or challenge an exam to certify as a journeyperson, allowing uncertified workers time to access any additional supports they may need while continuing to work.
To ensure high standards of supervision, safety and quality training for apprentices, government will work with industry to introduce journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios for each of these 10 trades, as in every other province.
According to Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, “skilled trades certification will support steady work and good-paying jobs for tradespeople by formally recognizing the skills of current and future workers. This will help workers continue working as the economy’s and industry’s needs shift over time. It will increase prestige for the trades and help attract more people to trades careers. Skilled trades certification will enhance the strong industry and safety training system, which includes partnerships with WorkSafeBC and Technical Safety BC.”
Twenty-five apprenticeship advisors will help workers register to get certified and aid them with accessing support provided by the government, including financial assistance for child-care, lost wages, travel and living expenses.
HRAI has been in active discussions with the Ministry over the past several years and has voiced strong support for this direction.
Click HERE for the BC Government News Release
For more information, contact Victoria Cross at (778) 808-8674 or email victoria@twowestgroup.com.
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