Skilled Trades BC

What is Skilled Trades BC?

Skilled Trades BC (formerly the Industry Training Authority, ITA) is British Columbia's authority for skilled trades training and certification. It oversees apprenticeship programs, issues trade credentials, and manages the certification process for over 100 trade programs in BC. For construction workers, Skilled Trades BC certifications cover trades including electrician, plumber, carpenter, sheet metal worker, ironworker, heavy equipment operator, and many more. These certifications validate that a tradesperson has completed the required training and demonstrated competency in their trade.

Any tradesperson working in British Columbia who requires certification for their trade. BC has both compulsory and voluntary certification trades. Compulsory certification trades (like electrician, plumber, gas fitter, and sheet metal worker) legally require workers to hold a valid certificate to practice. Voluntary certification trades allow workers to practice without certification, but certified tradespeople are preferred by employers and typically earn higher wages. Apprentices working toward their certification also register through Skilled Trades BC.

Why Expiration Tracking Matters

While journeyperson certificates from Skilled Trades BC generally do not expire, apprenticeship registrations and some specialized endorsements may have time-based requirements. For compulsory trades, practicing without valid certification is illegal and can result in fines and work stoppages. Keeping credentials organized and accessible is essential when starting new projects, working with new employers, or when WorkSafeBC inspectors visit a site. Additionally, some trade-specific licences (electrical, gas) may require periodic renewal or continuing education.

Provincial Requirements & Regulations

British Columbia's Skilled Trades BC Act governs trade certification in the province. Compulsory certification trades cannot be practiced without a valid certificate — this is enforced through WorkSafeBC and provincial inspectors. BC's apprenticeship system requires apprentices to complete both on-the-job training hours and technical training (usually at a college or institute) before writing their certification exam. BC also participates in the Red Seal program, so many BC-certified tradespeople can also pursue Red Seal endorsement for interprovincial mobility.

Renewal Process

Journeyperson certificates from Skilled Trades BC generally do not require renewal. However, some regulated trades (electrical, gas fitting) require licence renewal through separate regulatory bodies (like Technical Safety BC). Apprentices must maintain active registration and meet progression requirements. Workers should verify any renewal requirements specific to their trade and any additional regulatory licences they hold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing Skilled Trades BC certification with regulatory licences — some trades require both (e.g., electricians need both a Skilled Trades BC certificate and a Technical Safety BC licence)
• Not keeping apprenticeship registration active — lapsed registrations can delay progress toward certification
• Assuming BC certification is automatically recognized in other provinces — the Red Seal endorsement is needed for interprovincial mobility
• Not carrying proof of certification to new job sites — especially important for compulsory trades where inspectors can request it

Issuing Authority

Skilled Trades BC

skilledtradesbc.ca

Contact

customerservice@skilledtradesbc.ca

Phone

778 328 8700

Frequently Asked Questions