Trades-Training & Apprenticeships
BC's diverse trades landscape extends far beyond carpenters, plumbers and electricians. While they play a vital role, the trades spectrum encompasses everything from high-tech wind turbine technicians and meticulous chefs to innovative electricians crafting smart homes and specialized welders building ships. Whether you're drawn to the intricate workings of machinery, the satisfaction of building with your hands, or the creative expression of culinary arts, there's a skilled trade waiting to ignite your passion. With opportunities in fields like automotive, communication technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, BC's trades offer a gateway to fulfilling careers that are anything but one-dimensional. So, delve deeper and discover the world that goes beyond a hammer and nails – the trades are waiting to welcome you into their dynamic and evolving realm.
Skilled Trades BC oversees nearly 90 trades training programs in BC, 48 of which are Red Seal. It is a comprehensive resource for current apprentices and their employers, as well as for those considering apprenticeship for their career. What is an apprentice? What different trades careers are available? Learn about the shortage of skilled tradespeople and how to become an apprentice here.
Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program
The Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program was established to provide greater mobility for skilled workers across Canada. This Website will enable you to learn more about apprenticeship, trades, the Red Seal and certification.
WorkBC Apprentice Services can help you navigate financial supports that are available to eligible apprentices while they’re completing their classroom apprenticeship training.
Vancouver Island Construction Association
VICA’s primary goal is to support the construction industry and building community. From owners, consultants, engineers and architects to construction contractors, membership opens access to comprehensive services, programs and resources you won’t find anywhere else.
Vancouver Regional Construction Association
Has a construction job centre, links and a searchable membership directory.
British Columbia Construction Association
A non–profit organization that acts as the provincial voice of firms active in the Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, and Multi-Family Residential Construction Industry. Has links to employers, news, trades training and employment programs and resources The association’s mandate is to provide leadership and excellence in the representation of and service to British Columbia’s construction industry.
BC Building and Construction Trades Council
The British Columbia and Yukon Territory Building and Construction Trades Council is an umbrella organization for construction unions in the province of British Columbia. Currently there are 20 unions in the province who are affiliated to the BCYT-BCTC.
Canadian Building and Construction Trades Union
Coordinates and provides resources to construction and trades unions in Canada and the U.S.
A consortium of 15 BC public post-secondary schools, created to promote trades training.
BC Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP)
STEP is a no-fee employment program that works to match potential workers with employers; assists eligible people by presenting them with opportunities for training and employment; and works with new employees and employers to ensure a good employment fit. They have several programs to help workers enter a trade and begin their apprenticeship.
Blade Runners - North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society (NVIATS)
Learn more about the Blade Runners program offered through NVIATS.
Offers training in several trades including Automotive Service Technician, Cook, Electrical, Heavy Duty Mechanics, Cabinetmaking, Plumbing & Heating and Metal Fabrication and many more. The college also offers a new trades introduction program.
Vancouver Island University (VIU)
Offers training in several trades, including Automotive Service Technician, Commercial Baking, Barber/Stylist, Carpentry, Cook, Heavy Duty Mechanics, Heating, Ventilation and Air/conditioning/Refrigeration, Heavy Equipment Operation, Small Engine Technician, and Welding.
BCIT Trades, Technical & Apprenticeship
A direct path to trades training with the longest standing trades training institution in BC with information to help you plot a career and training in Trades.
Alberta Apprenticeship Training
A super site for researching different trades, qualifications and training for Alberta and Canada.
Red Seal Recruiting works for skilled trades and technical people to find them the best jobs in industrial construction and manufacturing industries. Based on Vancouver Island.