Skilled trades community consulted on new provincial certification plan

Results are now available from a large-scale government consultation conducted in the summer of 2021 regarding a new skilled trades certification system that is set to be implemented across British Columbia.

The What We Heard reports contain feedback from over 980 British Columbians representing workers, businesses, industry organizations, Indigenous peoples, youth, 2SLGBTQIA+, people of colour, new Canadians, and other groups crucial to growing and advancing B.C.'s trades workforce.

Participants were asked to provide input about key aspects of implementing the new skilled trades certification, including how to help current workers become certified or enter apprenticeship training programs. 

Recommendations in the What We Heard reports include offering more flexible or remote instruction, increasing access to training seats, developing mentorship programs, and offering diversity or cultural sensitivity training, childcare, and additional financial supports. 

Approximately 85,000 job openings are expected in the skilled trades in B.C. in the next 10 years.  

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Related

• Skilled trades workers supported to strengthen B.C.'s recovery (VCC media release)
• Strong response to skilled trades certification consultation (Government media release)
• What We Heard: Public Engagement [PDF]
• What We Heard: Indigenous Engagement [PDF]
• VCC apprenticeship programs