More qualified tradespeople will get the chance to share their skills with B.C. students thanks to the new Trades Certificate established by the British Columbia Teachers’ Council.

The new certificate makes it possible for certain Red Seal and Certified trades professionals to get qualified to teach their trade in K-12 schools – and ensure students get the skills they need to connect with some of the most important in-demand careers of tomorrow.

With the approval of the certificate, B.C.’s post-secondary institutions now have the option to develop and offer trades-focused teacher training courses. There are also a small number of people in B.C., or who may come to B.C. from other provinces, who already have similar certification in other provinces and would qualify for this new Trades Certificate.

The ministry’s Teacher Regulation Branch anticipates it will be able to issue the new Trades Certificate starting in early 2016.

Trades Certificate holders will also be able teach more subjects than just their qualified trade if they upgrade to an unrestricted Professional Certificate by completing additional coursework in broader trades/technology areas or in another subject area.

The new certificate will help ensure government meets its Skills for Jobs Blueprint commitment to re-engineer education and deliver the skilled workforce B.C.’s growing economy needs.

Quotes:

Rebecca Blair, chair, BC Teachers’ Council –

“B.C. continues to have rigorous standards for the certification of teachers in this province, and this continues to be the case with this additional pathway to certification. The Teachers' Council will monitor the implementation carefully to ensure the public's interest is met.”

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“We want to ensure every student in B.C. has access to the learning opportunities that will inspire them to rewarding, fulfilling careers.

“This new certificate will make it easier for qualified, certified trades professionals to share their expertise in classrooms and give young people the tangible skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the in-demand careers of tomorrow.”

Quick Facts:

• The Trades Certificate restricts the holder to teach in a specific trade subject area.
• If a Trades Certificate holder wants to teach other subjects beyond their trade, they would have to pursue further academic preparation in order to earn an unrestricted Professional Certificate.
• To be eligible for this certificate a certified tradesperson must apply to the ministry’s Teacher Regulation Branch and meet the following certification requirements:
  • Complete Grade 12 or equivalent;
  • Hold a Red Seal or Certificate of Qualification issued or recognized by the Industry Training Authority in a trade that has a minimum of three levels of technical training;
  • Complete a minimum of five years of journeyperson work and/or teaching experience;
  • Complete a full teacher education program of no less than 48 credits; and
  • Complete six credits of English or French literature and composition.

Learn More:

To learn more about the new Trades Certificate, visit: http://www.bcteacherregulation.ca/Teacher/CertificatesIssued.aspx

To learn about the British Columbia Teachers’ Council, visit: http://www.bcteacherregulation.ca/AboutUs/Council.aspx

To learn about the Teacher Regulation Branch, visit: http://www.bcteacherregulation.ca/

For more information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/blueprintaction