Trades professionals are the foundation for building the future of BC, and they are in demand now more than ever. The StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan is a generational commitment to accelerating talent and skills training throughout the province.
TradeUpBC brings together British Columbia’s post-secondary institutes to help experienced tradespeople and employers remain resilient, adaptable, and inclusive by providing access to microcredentials and professional development courses. These courses will assist tradespeople and employers in advancing their careers, strengthening their businesses, creating welcoming worksites for everyone, and ensuring they are prepared for future opportunities.
TradeUpBC is a provincially-funded initiative that connects tradespeople to courses at BC post-secondary institutes.
The sectors listed below provide information on available programs, courses, and accredited education institute partners across British Columbia and the Yukon. Choose your industry and start planning your future today!
If you’re interested in kickstarting or advancing your career as a supervisor or manager, Management Skills for Supervisors is for you. This program is designed to provide you with the essential skills you need to manage people and optimize productivity across four modules, each focusing on a specific management challenge.
In the Conflict Resolution course, you will learn crucial conflict management skills, including dealing with anger and using the Agreement Frame. Dealing with conflict is important for every organization, no matter the size. If it is left unchecked or not resolved, it can lead to lost production, absences, attrition, and even lawsuits.
Introduces students to the field of entrepreneurship and the role that it plays in society and in tourism and hospitality. Focuses on the nature and theories of entrepreneurship, the characteristics and behavior of entrepreneurs, and the development of entrepreneurial process. Exposes students to entrepreneurs and their real-life lessons. The major project for the course will be the development of a comprehensive business plan.
With the growing demand for automation processes, the need for knowledgeable and experienced programmable logic controller professionals is more apparent than ever. PLCs are used in many industries to monitor and control production processes and building systems. This 30-hours course introduces electricians, as well as those who are familiar with conventional motor control theory, to the basic operating principles and various field applications of Programmable Logic Controllers.
Meet Transport Canada’s requirement for fishing, passenger vessel, and other marine industries in this two-day course that includes First Aid and CPR. Upon completion you will have your Marine Basic First Aid certificate as well as the skills and knowledge needed to respond to cardiovascular and breathing emergencies. All course materials are included in the tuition. Certification is valid for 5 years.
TradeUpBC has identified seven key areas of demand aimed at supporting certified or experienced trades workers and employers through specialized training programs. The programs offered on the TradeUpBC website are designed to complement apprentice training rather than replace it.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Business Owner
From high school to apprentice, then certified tradesperson to business owner, Logan Henson’s journey is a great example of the power of ongoing education to advance careers and open exciting new pathways for both experienced tradespeople and the business owners who employ them.
Plumber
Wallis Plumpton is kind of surprised. The 36-year-old has just entered year three of the four-year BC plumbing apprenticeship program and is excited about the future. This is a story of discovery, full of twists and turns with some surprises along the way.
