If you are working in the Electrical, Mechanical, or Crane trades, it’s important to understand Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory trades) and how you may be affected by implementation.
Under Skilled Trades Certification, uncertified and unregistered workers in the trades listed below are required to be registered apprentices, trade qualifiers or certified journeypersons.
Skilled Trades Certification Trades now in effect:
Construction Electrician
Industrial Electrician
Powerline Technician
Steamfitter/Pipefitter
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Gasfitter Class A and Class B
Sheet Metal Worker
The following trades will become Skilled Trades Certification Trades on July 5, 2027, with a one-year transition period beginning July 6, 2026.
Mobile Crane Operator
Tower Crane Operator
Learn more on this news post about the announcement of the crane trades as new compulsory trades and the transition period.
Not Impacted
If you are a registered apprentice, trade qualifier or a certified journeyperson in one of the compulsory trades, there is no impact to you.
Impacted Employers
All employers in Skilled Trades Certification trades need to ensure their employees meet the requirements, maintain a maximum supervision ratio of two apprentices to every one journeyperson (2:1) and complete the Employer Workforce Submission through the SkilledTradesBC Portal.
Visit our Skilled Trades Certification page for employers to learn about the benefits of certification and how to help ensure your employees and business are prepared.
Impacted Workers
If you work in one of the compulsory trades but are not a registered apprentice, trade qualifier or certified journeyperson, you are impacted.
If you have... |
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|---|---|
completed less than 1,800 work-based training hours (1 year). | Learn how you can begin your apprenticeship journey. |
completed 1,800-5,400 work-based training hours (1-4 years). | Learn more about challenging a level exam as a Level Challenger. |
completed more than 9,000 work-based training hours (5+ years). | Learn more about challenge pathways as an Experienced Worker. |
Supports
Available
In addition to the provincial and federal supports available to registered employers and apprentices, we have also enhanced our supports to customers in the Skilled Trades Certification trades.
Questions about Compulsory Trades?
Contact a Certification Advisor to get the support you need in meeting the requirements.