Skilled Trades Opportunities in British Columbia
Finding the right career path can be challenging. Exploring your options in skilled trades could allow you to build the right foundation for a future full of success and prosperity. Here are some of the best reasons to consider opportunities in trade apprenticeships and skilled trades careers in British Columbia.
Choose From a Variety of Career Paths
Skilled trades encompass a wide range of industries and areas of expertise. Some of the most popular options for skilled trades in BC include the following:
- Aircraft maintenance technicians and aviation specialists
The aviation industry requires skilled aircraft assemblers, maintenance workers, repair personnel and specialists to maintain safe flying conditions and to protect the lives of those who travel by air to reach their destinations.
- Automotive technicians and mechanics
Encompassing automobiles, trucks and motorcycle maintenance, the field of automotive tech can provide many opportunities for advancement. Automotive glass technicians, auto body and collision professionals and mechanics are among the best known careers in these skilled trades. Apprenticeships may be available with larger auto shops and with specialty shops in the automotive trades.
- Carpenters and cabinetmakers
These skilled workers typically complete BC apprenticeships in carpentry and cabinetmaking to learn the finer points of these trades.
- Computer information systems specialists and electronics technicians
Computer systems and electronics are essential parts of everyday life. As an information systems specialist or electronics repairperson, you will be directly responsible for setting up, maintaining and repairing computer systems and electronics alone or as part of a team.
- Electricians
From minor repairs to full rewiring projects, electricians make sure the power is on in homes and businesses across British Columbia. Most BC apprenticeships for electricians offer opportunities for hands-on experience that will be valuable later in your career.
- Facilities and maintenance workers
If you like to work with your hands and welcome new challenges every day, training and apprenticeship as a facilities maintenance worker or manager could be the right fit for you.
- Gasfitters
One of the most popular trades in BC, gasfitters are required to complete a two-year trade apprenticeship and to obtain a Class A or Class B gasfitter’s licence before practicing their trade independently.
- Horticulturists, arborists and landscapers
If working with plants out-of-doors is your dream profession, training to be an arborist, horticulturist or landscape technician could be the gateway to a satisfying career.
- HVAC and refrigeration technicians
HVAC technicians and repair personnel are always in demand. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics must hold a Class B Gasfitter’s licence and must be certified in BC. Apprenticeships typically include work experience and classroom instruction.
- Ironworkers
To become an ironworker in British Columbia, you will need to complete a program that includes trades training and an apprenticeship of two to three years. Voluntary trade certification can help you find the right opportunities for these trades in BC.
- Light and heavy construction workers
Training and apprenticeship opportunities in the construction field allow workers to get hands-on experience in building, excavating and many other facets of this trades sector.
- Marine science technicians
For those interested in working on or around boats, other aquatic vehicles or bodies of water, a career as a marine science technician can open up numerous job opportunities that may include positions in laboratories, fisheries, remote base camps or on boats or merchant ships.
- Meat packers and cutters
As part of the industries that bring food to the nation’s tables, meat packers and cutters use specialized skills to prepare various cuts of meat for sale.
- Metal fabricators and fitters
Most structural metal fabricators and fitters work in industrial plants or shipbuilding yards. Strong math skills, training and completion of an apprenticeship will also be required for most jobs. While trade certification is not required in British Columbia, it can typically open up more opportunities in the job market.
- Power engineering
One of the highest-paid trades, fully qualified power engineers can expect to earn an average of $93,852 in annual salary. A relevant college diploma or two-year apprenticeship is required to qualify for these positions.
- Professional cooks, chefs and food service technicians
While entry-level jobs in the restaurant and food service industries are relatively easy to obtain, an apprenticeship can open up opportunities for higher pay and greater prestige within the industry.
- Welders
Welders and machine operators can be certified at three levels, starting with level C and progressing to level A certification. This certification can be pursued during apprenticeship and requires a combination of work experience and training to complete.
Skilled Trades Certification Requirements in BC
Skilled Trades Certification is now in effect, requiring tradespeople working in the following seven trades to be registered apprentices or certified journeypersons:
- Construction electricians
- Industrial electricians
- Gasfitters Class A and B
- Powerline technicians
- Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- Sheet metal workers
- Steamfitters and pipefitters
Skilled Trades Certification formally recognizes the skills of current and future trade workers and ensures everyone working in those trades receive standardized training at a high level and have equitable access to the same supports and resources.
Consider Entrepreneurial Opportunities
When you have completed your apprenticeship, you can opt for a paid position in trades or launch your own business enterprise. Plumbers, HVAC professionals, electricians and specialty automotive technicians can often start their businesses with a minimal initial investment in tools and transportation. Those who pursue other trades, however, may require expensive equipment or a permanent factory or warehouse location. Franchising opportunities may also be available in trades and could allow you to enter your chosen profession with added resources and support for your journey.
Enjoy Flexible Schedules and Work Independently
Flexible scheduling is one of the most important benefits of pursuing a career in trades in BC. If you work for a larger company, you can usually negotiate the shifts you want. Additionally, for service trades that require travel to and from work sites, you can often set appointments on a schedule that works for you and that accommodates your other obligations.
Of course, as an independent tradesperson operating your own business, you can always set your own schedule and can work on your own or with the assistance of staff members. This can allow you to manage your time more effectively while ensuring profitability for your business and your ongoing operations.
Transition Into Teaching and Instructing Roles
Training others by taking apprentices or working at a trades training center can allow you to continue pursuing your career as you age. By passing on your skills and knowledge to others, you can have a positive impact on students and on the state of your trade throughout British Columbia and Canada.
Explore Associated Careers
Many other occupations in the labour pool are related to trades and require similar skills to achieve success. Some of the most common trades-associated careers in Canada are listed here:
- Technical safety specialists inspect workplaces and workflows to ensure safety for workers. They may define safety requirements or provide training for staff members in working environments.
- Sales and marketing for trades can include designing online advertisements and creating content for web pages.
- Estimating careers can allow you to work closely with construction companies and professionals to determine the likely cost of projects.
- Consultants can provide expert guidance for companies and individuals on in-depth or complex projects or activities.
- Management positions in trades may require basic or comprehensive knowledge of the specific trade and its demands.
Investigate International and National Opportunities
Choosing to complete training and apprenticeship in trades can allow you to access many career opportunities in British Columbia and throughout Canada. If you want to practice your trade outside BC, however, you may want to explore the Red Seal Program. Formerly known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, this certification exam provides an endorsement that can be affixed to your provincial or territorial trade certification. This endorsement provides tangible proof of your qualification to practice your trade across Canada and could open up opportunities for you no matter where you wish to work or start your business.
Find Ways to Help Save the Environment
You may also be able to institute green-friendly practices when pursuing a career in trades. HVAC professionals, electricians and design consultants for construction projects often can make adjustments to create energy-efficient options and to promote environmental responsibility.
Pioneer Innovation in Trades
With the right training and experience in trades in BC, you may be able to create new methods and new strategies that could save time and promote greater customer satisfaction within your field of expertise. Trade apprenticeship opportunities can often lead to positions of much greater responsibility, which can allow you to make decisions and to create processes that could change the way your trade is practiced throughout Canada.
To learn more about the many career opportunities available to you in trades, visit the trades listing to explore training options and to sign up for a program with us. We are here to help you find the right career and the right training for a brighter future.