November is Apprenticeship Recognition Month in B.C.

01 November 2022
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Apprentices are individuals learning a trade from a skilled employer. They support a variety of industries — from large-scale construction projects to critical infrastructure maintenance — and they do so while still learning! 

Apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training with in-classroom tutorials. In most programs, you’ll spend about 80 per cent of the time on the job. The average completion time is four years — from starting the program to receiving your Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal Endorsement. 

The number of apprentices in B.C. continues to grow as demand for skilled workers increases. According to B.C.’s 2021 Labour Market Outlook, there is an estimated 121,000 jobs expected to open in the trades, transport and equipment operators and related field occupational group in the next 10 years. Of that number, 85,000 are set to replace individuals retiring. It’s one of the fastest growing industries in the province — and there are opportunities for every skill set.

Are you interested in starting an apprenticeship? Whether you’re looking for financial assistance or need help applying to programs in your area, both WorkBC and the Industry Training Authority or ITA (soon to be called SkilledTradesBC) have resources to support you. Check out the following pages to get started:

If you know someone who is working toward becoming certified in a trade, make sure to give them an extra shout-out this month for all the hard work they’re doing.