Apprenticeship
Becoming a skilled tradesperson in the mechanical trades involves becoming an apprentice.
Find An Employer
Once you have an idea of the mechanical trade you want to pursue, the first step is to either find an employer who will sponsor you as an apprentice or apply for an apprenticeship with a union. To find mechanical contracting businesses in British Columbia to contact for apprenticeship availability, visit our member directory. There are also a number of unions you can connect to for various trades including Boilermakers 359; UA Local 170 for plumbers, welders, steamfitters and pipefitters; and UA Local 516 for HVAC and Refrigeration.
Register Your Apprenticeship
Once you’ve been sponsored, you will need to register with SkilledTradesBC (formerly Industry Training Authority). Your sponsor will complete paperwork and you will receive an apprenticeship number. Throughout your apprenticeship journey, the STBC will monitor your training. You will need to submit your work hours and follow their program in order to complete your apprenticeship.
Complete Your Courses
In addition to your on-site work, you may need to take additional courses during your apprenticeship. Learn about Skilled Trades Training.
Apprenticeship Grants, Loans & Support
For Apprentices
Canadian Apprentice Loan
The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help you complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal Trade. With the Canada Apprentice Loan, you can get up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training.
Tuition Tax Credit
Examination fees paid to an educational institution, professional association, provincial ministry or other similar institution, to take an occupational, trade or professional examination that is required to obtain a professional status recognized by federal or provincial statute, or to be licensed or certified as a tradesperson, to allow the student to practice the profession or trade in Canada, may be eligible for the tuition tax credit.
WorkBC Apprentice Services Financial Support
You may be eligible for temporary financial support during the in-school portion of your apprenticeship program. WorkBC Apprentice Services Financial Support, managed by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, may assist with covering your expenses while you attend in-school training.
B.C. Training Tax Credit for Apprentices
The training tax credit provides refundable income tax credits for apprentices enrolled in programs administered through SkilledTradesBC. There are three types of training tax credits:
- Basic credit for the first two levels of non-Red Seal programs
- Completion credit for level 3 or level 4 for both Red Seal and non-Red Seal programs
- Enhanced credit for First Nations individuals and persons with disabilities
For Employers/Sponsors of Apprentices
B.C. Training Tax Credit for Employers
The training tax credit provides refundable income tax credits for employers who employ apprentices enrolled in apprenticeship programs administered through SkilledTradesBC. There are three types of training tax credits:
- Basic credit for the first 24 months of non-Red Seal programs
- Completion credit for level 3 or level 4 for both Red Seal and non-Red Seal programs
- Enhanced credit for First Nations individuals and persons with disabilities
B.C. Employer Training Grant
The B.C. Employer Training Grant provides funding to small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires. The Employer Training Grant helps employers pay for training, which in turn helps employees experience increased job security or move into better jobs.
Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80 per cent of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.