British Columbia
Authority: SkilledTradesBC · Phone: 1-866-660-6011
Formerly the Industry Training Authority (ITA). BC reintroduced compulsory certification in phases from 2023, and the crane trades have been announced as the next group — so this list grows. BC is unusually good to experienced workers: with 5+ years you can apply for Temporary Authorization, work as a Trade Qualifier, and challenge the certification exam within 24 months instead of apprenticing. Supervision ratio is capped at 2 apprentices per journeyperson.
The 7 compulsory trades
Section titled “The 7 compulsory trades”- Construction Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Powerline Technician
- Steamfitter/Pipefitter
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Gasfitter — Class A and Class B
- Sheet Metal Worker
Source: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/skilledtradescertification
Where to start
Section titled “Where to start”- Start an apprenticeship: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/become-an-apprentice
- Funding and grants: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/grants
- Compulsory trades: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/skilledtradescertification
Everywhere else
Section titled “Everywhere else”- How apprenticeship works — the mechanics that apply across Canada
- All 13 authorities — for comparison, and if you might move
- Funding programs — federal money applies wherever you are