Skilled Trades BC Legislation Enacted

The Skilled Trades BC Act received royal assent Thursday, March 10, 2022, paving the way to restore the compulsory trades system in British Columbia.  The legislation will require people to register as an apprentice or be a certified journeyperson in order to work in one of the 10 initial mechanical, electrical and automotive trades.

The ten trades identified for immediate certification 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); and
  • automotive: heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician and autobody and collision technician.

Certification for these initial trades will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024.

People will have at least one year to register as an apprentice or challenge an exam to certify as a journeyperson, allowing uncertified workers time to access any additional support they may need while continuing to work.

This has been a priority file for HRAI and, as demand for new technologies like heat pumps grows, HRAI has been and continues to proactively lead conversations that will build towards the introduction of a new residential heat pump installer trade modelled on programs that exist in other jurisdictions.

In 2019 Martin Luymes, VP, Government and Stakeholder Relations, met with then Minister of Advanced Education and Skilled Training, Hon. Melanie Mark, to advocate for compulsory trades, including a residential A/C trade and the message was received positively. In 2021, Martin and Victoria Cross, BC Lead, had constructive meetings with the Minister of Labour, Hon. Harry Bains, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training, Andrew Mercier, regarding the Skilled Trades Certification and the opportunities to include a residential trade.

Additionally, HRAI has met with BC Hydro, the Home Performance Stakeholder Council, several municipalities, including Vancouver and Surrey, and many other industry and stakeholder groups on this topic. HRAI also participated in the Industry Training Authority (ITA) consultation regarding the reinstatement of compulsory skilled trades certifications in BC.

Click HERE to see the BC Government’s news release.

For more information, contact Victoria Cross at (778) 808-8674or email victoria@twowestgroup.com.

Back to Newsletters