Explore Our Trades

Apprenticeships

Becoming a skilled tradesperson in the mechanical trades involves becoming an apprentice. A trade apprenticeship is a unique training process that combines both education and on site training. For most apprenticeship programs you must complete a set number of training hours and courses spread over four years. Let’s review what’s involved with completing an apprenticeship.

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 business 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 ITA 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

For Apprentices

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person.

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The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a one-time taxable cash grant lifetime amount of $2,000 per person for registered apprentices. It is for registered apprentices who:

• successfully complete their apprenticeship training program, and
• get their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade

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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.

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If you have purchased eligible tools to earn employment income as a tradesperson or apprentice, you may be able to deduct their cost, including any goods and services tax (GST), provincial sales tax (PST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) you paid.

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If you have been referred by your province or territory to attend full-time technical training (sometimes referred to as block-release training), you may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while unemployed and attending your course.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Find other financial support and resources on apprenticeship training.

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For Employers/Sponsors of Apprentices

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

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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.

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Employers who hire apprentices registered in Red Seal programs are eligible to claim 10% of wages up to a maximum of $2,000 per year for each apprentice, for the first 24 months of registration.

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Calling All Mechanical Contractors

We need companies like yours to sponsor apprentices. What’s required to take on an apprenticeship is a journeyman on staff to mentor the new apprentice. You’ll receive tax credit benefits, subsidized wages, and will pave the way for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

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