From Nov. 4 to 30, 2019, B.C.’s apprentices are being recognized as their contributions and success in building and maintaining thriving communities throughout the province are acknowledged.

The Government of British Columbia has proclaimed November as Apprenticeship Recognition Month. Throughout the month, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) will highlight the many roles that apprentices play in supporting a strong, innovative economy and building the best B.C.

“The skills, dedication and heart of B.C.’s nearly 39,000 apprentices are critically important to keeping our communities vibrant and economic engines running,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “In the next decade, we expect about 71,000 job openings in the trades. These careers are good-paying, long-lasting and family-supporting jobs. Our government values the tradespeople who keep our lights on, our homes warm and our cars running. We are focused on opening doors for apprentices while breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for women, Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups to join our thriving economy.”

B.C. has seen a steady increase in the number of people entering skilled trades professions and has a focus on encouraging women and Indigenous peoples to enter the trades. Having a strong apprenticeship system in the province is crucial to B.C.’s economy.

More people are entering into skilled trades apprenticeship, and the numbers of certificates of qualification are also increasing in B.C., reflecting the rising number of opportunities and a growing understanding of the value of trades careers. An apprenticeship in a skilled trade is an important entry point to a long-lasting career path with a range of rewarding opportunities.

“Becoming a registered apprentice means starting a journey of excellence and exploration, and can create credibility and experience that will offer opportunities that many people might not have even considered at the start of the skilled trades careers,” said Shelley Gray, CEO of ITA. “And those who complete an apprenticeship and achieve certification or their Red Seal have unlimited career potential. The future really is theirs.”

Apprenticeship Recognition Month is an opportunity to bring attention to the status and value of the skilled trades. ITA is elevating the status and value of skilled trades careers with #ApprenticeNow, an online campaign highlighting the real-world value of skilled trades and encouraging more people to seek an in-demand trades profession. Throughout the month, ITA will also share the profiles of some key outreach team members and its apprenticeship advisors on its blog.

Learn More:

Industry Training Authority: itabc.ca

Industry Training Authority blog: https://www.itabc.ca/success-stories

A backgrounder follows.