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!
The program curriculum provides a strong practical foundation in construction management to allow graduates to be licensed to work in the construction and development field or establish their own construction business to build residences.
The courses include the seven core competencies required by BC Housing to obtain a builder license.”
This project-based course focuses on catering, meetings, conventions, and event planning with a comprehensive hands-on approach. This includes the fundamental components of planning and executing a catered event, meeting, or convention that is tailored to the preferences and needs of clients while also ensuring safety and accessibility standards are employed.
Develop your leadership and teamwork skills at the operational level on board a ship. The focus of this Transport Canada approved course is on controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board.
In this micro-credential, you will gain the essential skills needed to lead people effectively in mid-level supervisory, administrative, and service-oriented positions. You will develop leadership abilities, enhance conflict management and communication skills, and build confidence to compete successfully in the job market. This program is designed to align with labour market needs, enabling you to transition smoothly from training to employment.
The Associate Certificate in Polytechnic Teaching gives you a professional development pathway to build your skills as an instructor in an applied-skills learning environment.
This program is designed for those who are teaching, or wish to teach, in a polytechnic educational setting.
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.
