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!
Study after study reveals that the vast majority of jobs require some type of digital skills and companies want candidates and employees who are well-versed and comfortable with the use of computers. Our Computer Skills for the Office course offerings provides you with the skills necessary to make an impact in your workplace. Whether it’s upskilling for a certain project or comprehensive training to find that dream job, our courses provide flexible options for those interested in looking to upgrade their skills.
Learn the science of service—the psychology that drives great experiences for customers and employees. These popular courses include informative, actionable content based on easy-to-follow frameworks that are applicable whether you serve customers or colleagues locally or internationally. After completing a final quiz, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business.
This course introduces students to the basic theory and practice of the Food & Beverage Industry. Students practice preparing and serving cocktails in the mixology lab and serving food and beverages in a banquet and dining room setting. Emphasis is placed upon the interpretation of data for effective and profitable decision-making, using various tools such as revenue prediction and menu engineering, and Cost/Margin.
First time seafarers, prepare to work safely aboard a vessel. This course provides the minimum knowledge of emergency response required to determine the hazards associated with the marine environment and your vessel. You will also learn how to prevent shipboard incidents including fire.
Participants of the Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist Microcredential program will develop applied knowledge and skills while learning from a team of industry instructors, and completing practical design and installation learning activities. This microcredential specifically incorporates emerging best practices and design considerations to ensure quality heat pump system installations that meet homeowner expectations, and provide heating and cooling during extreme weather events.
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.
