Industry Training Authority Becomes SkilledTradesBC

SkilledTradesBC Announcement

Today we celebrate an exciting day as we transition to our new name SkilledTradesBC. Our new name will make it easier for people across the province to understand who we are and what we do. While our role in advancing B.C.’s skilled trades system hasn’t changed, it has expanded. This includes a larger focus on raising the profile of skilled trades, modernizing our approach to trades training, and implementing Skilled Trades Certification. To hear more about this, watch our short video here

Reaching SkilledTradesBC 

Although we are now operating under a new name, our day-to-day focus on supporting the tens of thousands of apprentices, employers and other skilled trades training partners like yourselves remains the same. Our ITA contact information, website and email addresses are being transitioned to SkilledTradesBC over the next few days, however the ITA contacts will still work. The next time you hear from us, it will be from our skilledtradesbc.ca email!

Please update and start using our new contact information which includes: 

Skilled Trades Certification 

In the coming weeks, you will hear more from us about our expanded mandate to implement Skilled Trades Certification, which also begins December 1. While B.C. has a strong and effective trades training system that offers multiple pathways for individuals to achieve certification, it is also the only province with no mandatory trades certification. By requiring tradespeople to be either a certified journeyperson or a registered apprentice, Skilled Trades Certification levels the playing field, ensuring that everyone working in the selected trades are receiving standardized training at a high level and have equitable access to the same supports and resources. There are seven trades in the electrical and mechanical sectors which are initially part of this program. The trades are: 

  • Electrical: construction electrician, industrial electrician, powerline technician  
  • Mechanical: refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, gasfitter A & B, steamfitter/pipefitter, sheet metal worker 

Three additional automotive trades (heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician and autobody and collision technician) will be introduced as Skilled Trades Certification trades in 2024 and will also have one year to transition once announced.  

If you are an apprentice or an employer working in electrical and mechanical Skilled Trades Certification trades, we will be hosting information sessions early in 2023 to help ensure you have all the information you need so we can continue to grow a strong skilled labour force.   

Additionally, if you have questions, please visit our FAQ page or reach out to our team for support. Thank you for being an integral part of B.C.’s skilled trades system, supporting B.C.’s future economy.  

Together, we are building the province of tomorrow. 

Sincerely, 

Shelley Gray, 
CEO, SkilledTradesBC