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!
BCIT and the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA), have teamed up to offer multi-level, part-time studies training programs for people in the construction industry who wish to enhance their career potential.
The Continuing Studies Small Business & Entrepreneurship program offers practical courses that help students advance their goals quickly, from developing and testing business ideas to improving customer service and learning how to analyze financial statements.
A Cross Connection Control Tester inspects operating conditions of Back Flow Preventers, tests for proper operation of Back Flow Preventers, determines Back Flow Preventer requirements based on local by-laws and ordinances, repairs, replaces, and installs Back Flow Preventers and provides documented test report forms for private and municipal records.
Anyone with an interest in basic boiler safety is welcome to engage in this hands-on experience and classroom theory session. Gain knowledge of the safe operation of heating plants, emergency procedures for non-licensed personnel, and be well-equipped for the Boiler Basic Safety Awareness Certificate exam administered by Technical Safety BC.
The Electric Vehicle Maintenance Technology course prepares Automotive Service Technicians (AST) to safely diagnose and service high voltage electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
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.
