Mobile Crane Operator and Tower Crane Operator Announced as Skilled Trades Certification Trades

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Today, the Government of British Columbia announced Mobile Crane Operator and Tower Crane Operator will become Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trades. 

Today, the Government of British Columbia announced Mobile Crane Operator and Tower Crane Operator will become Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trades. A one-year transition period starts July 6, 2026, allowing sufficient time for affected tradespeople and employers to meet the new requirements and access support they need.

Meeting the Requirements of Skilled Trades Certification (Compulsory Trades)

Requirements for Workers

Requirements for Employers

To continue working in these trades after July 5, 2027, crane operators must be either:

  • a registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, or

  • a trade qualifier, or

  • a certified journeyperson. 

By July 5, 2027, employers must:

  • ensure their crane operators are registered apprentices, trade qualifiers or certified journeypersons; and 

  • maintain a maximum supervision ratio of two apprentices to every one journeyperson (2:1); and

  • provide information about their workforce through the Employer Workforce Submission on the SkilledTradesBC Portal.

Next Steps

Workers who have already registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or hold a B.C. Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal certification in the Mobile Crane Operator and Tower Crane Operator have met the requirements, and no action is required. 

Mobile Crane Operators and Tower Crane Operators who are not currently registered as an apprentice, a trade qualifier or certified as a journeyperson with SkilledTradesBC must meet the Skilled Trades Certification requirements by July 5, 2027 to continue working in these trades. Visit the Skilled Trades Certification webpage to find your next steps based on your current situation.

During the transition period, employers can familiarize themselves with the requirements, review their workforce and plan for any steps required over time. This may include planning to meet the 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson supervision ratio and prepare to submit the Employer Workforce Submission on the SkilledTradesBC Portal before July 5, 2027. Visit the Employers and Skilled Trades Certification webpage to learn more about your responsibilities. 

Questions?

We understand that this change may affect you and everyone has a unique situation. Please do not hesitate to contact a Certification Advisor with any questions. 

 

Read the Government of B.C. News Release