Homes, hospitals, fine dining, kitchen cabinets, and everything in between – these are the services and products that are provided by skilled tradespeople and apprentices in British Columbia.

Nov. 5-11 marks Apprenticeship Recognition Week and the 82nd anniversary of formalized trades training in British Columbia. This week is about recognizing the hard-working and talented tradespeople and apprentices who participate in formal apprenticeship training. Upon graduation, they build up their communities by learning, offering and teaching a trade at the highest standard of quality.

This year alone there are over 35,000 adult apprentices, over 4,000 youth program participants, and over 4,000 foundation students in British Columbia. From arborists to heavy duty mechanics to welders, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and post-secondary institutions in B.C. offer aspiring tradespeople more than 100 trades programs from which to choose.

Over an average of four years, an apprentice will spend 20% of their time in classroom based technical training, and 80% of their time getting paid on-the-job experience with an employer sponsor. After completing apprenticeship training and exams, an apprentice joins the workforce as a “ticketed” tradesperson.

This is a week to recognize the vital contributions apprentices make to the future of trades, to our economy, and to the workforce of British Columbia. Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s skilled tradespeople who will be building B.C.’s highways, schools and hospitals.

Quotes:

Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training ­–
“Apprenticeship Recognition Week is a great way to give a shout out to all our trades students. These are the people who are creating, innovating, repairing and maintaining to build a better British Columbia for us all. Keep on shining and reaching for the stars.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority –­
“ITA is proud to manage and support apprenticeship training in B.C. because it gives British Columbians the paid, hands-on experience they need to hit the ground running and secure a good-paying job. ITA will continue to ensure that British Columbians are equipped with the right skills for the job opportunities of today and tomorrow.”

Kathy Kinloch, president, BCIT –
“BCIT has been helping apprentices build a foundation for their futures for over 50 years. Through our Trades Discovery programs, we make it easier for students to find a trade they’re passionate about and turn it into a rewarding career. In partnership with industry and government, apprentices have helped transform our province into one of the most livable regions in the world.”

James Leard, landscape horticulture apprenticeship graduate, North Island College –
“An apprenticeship offered me recognizable skills, industry certifications and secure employment for years to come. As an employer, I know apprentices have the knowledge and training to succeed in my business.”

Learn More:

WorkBC Trades Training: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/Trades-Training.aspx

Trades Training BC: https://www.tradestrainingbc.ca/

Industry Training Authority: www.itabc.ca

Youth in Trades Program: http://youth.itabc.ca/

Trades Training seat finder instantly shows where trades training seats are available: https://www.tradestrainingbc.ca/

Resources for employers are available on the ITA’s website, including steps to success for managing apprentices and an employer guidebook: www.itabc.ca/resource-materials

Connecting students to trades training throughout B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017AEST0051-001465