November 2021 is Apprenticeship Recognition Month in B.C. Throughout November, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and the Industry Training Authority (ITA) will be highlighting the many roles apprentices play in supporting a strong economy and building a stronger B.C, as well as opportunities for people to start a career in the skilled trades.
“There are wonderful benefits to a career in the trades and Apprenticeship Recognition Month is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of apprentices, employer sponsors, youth participants and foundation students across B.C.,” said Anne Kang, minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “Our government values the tradespeople who are contributing to B.C.’s economic recovery. They are building our homes, fixing our cars and creating modern solutions. We are committed to creating opportunities for women, Indigenous Peoples and other under-represented groups to find good-paying, long-lasting careers in the trades.”
There are many career opportunities in skilled trades. The ITA is raising awareness of the different career paths with Find Your Trade, a campaign promoting trades apprenticeships and careers. Find Your Trade encourages British Columbians to explore the skilled trades through its website – www.findyourtrade.ca – which showcases more than 100 trades programs and career options, a quiz to find your trade and live webinars to give prospective apprentices opportunities to learn more about trades first-hand.
“There is a lot to celebrate this Apprenticeship Recognition Month, as skilled trades apprenticeships and careers has remained resilient throughout the pandemic and continues to play an integral role in B.C.’s economy. Skilled trades provide meaningful and rewarding career opportunities and throughout this month, we look forward to showcasing the value of apprenticeships, trades training and careers, and the many ways skilled trades touches and provides value to our everyday lives,” said Shelley Gray, ITA chief executive officer.
WorkBC.ca is also launching a new Career Education Resources microsite created specifically for B.C. educators. Linking WorkBC resources to the Ministry of Education’s career education curriculum, the new section of WorkBC.ca features lesson plans that showcase labour-market information, career discovery tools and interactive activities to encourage students to pursue various careers, including those in the skilled trades.
B.C. has seen a steady increase in the number of people entering skilled trades professions and has a focus on encouraging women and Indigenous Peoples to enter the trades. Having a strong apprenticeship system in the province is crucial to B.C.’s economy.
