Opportunities for apprentices don’t stop at the traditional construction trades.

Through the Industry Training Authority (ITA) Red Seal Programme, British Columbians can gain the credentials to work in many sectors including the film and television industry as carpenters, electricians, cooks, cosmetologists and hair stylists.

This week the government proclaimed Nov. 2-6, 2015, as Apprenticeship Recognition Week, and with the boom of B.C.’s creative sector, the demand for skilled workers is growing.

Also this week, the Motion Picture Production Industry Association (MPPIA) is holding Career Expo 2015 where established professionals, industry crew, students and newcomers can gather information about everything from career paths, to services, facilities, new technologies, and training offerings. There will be opportunities to speak to various industry representatives who will be on hand to answer questions, and educate attendees more about what opportunities the industry offers.

Career Expo 2015 will help provide the necessary tools to help interested British Columbian’s launch a career or make a transition into B.C.’s creative Industry. The Expo will take place in Vancouver at The Creekside Community Centre (Olympic Village) on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Responsible for Labour–

“British Columbia has earned its reputation as one of North America’s busiest centres for screen entertainment production. As we celebrate Apprenticeship Recognition Week, it is a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on apprenticeships that can lead to working in this exciting and growing industry. Red Seal training is a critical component of our training system ensuring we have the kind of talented, skilled workforce this industry needs.”

Peter Leitch, chair, Motion Picture Production Industry Association of British Columbia –

"Screen entertainment production and our counterpart creative sectors in BC provide quality, well-paying knowledge based jobs. The future of BC's creative economy depends on the next wave of skill and talent available to us, so it is important that we  help pave the way for some of this Province's most valuable renewable resources, our next generation of industry professionals.’

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government officially proclaimed Nov. 2-6, 2015, as Apprenticeship Recognition Week in British Columbia to recognize the invaluable contribution of apprentices and their employers to the province’s economy and labour force.
• This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Apprenticeship Act in B.C., since the act came into effect in 1935 and brought apprenticeship under the provincial government oversight.
• This past year, the motion picture industry spent approximately $2 billion on production activity in B.C.
• The film and television industry supports an estimated over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
• British Columbia is a key location for film and TV production in North America, and a growing hub for digital animation and visual effects.

Learn More:

To learn more about the MPPIA 2015 Career Fair, visit: http://www.career-expo.ca/index.html

To see which Industry organizations will be present at Career Fair 2015, visit: http://www.career-expo.ca/pages/exhibitors.html

To find out more about resources for job seekers and employers in B.C., visit: https://www.workbc.ca/

To learn more about Red Seal training, visit: http://www.itabc.ca/red-seal-program