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 Project Management Short Certificate Program is designed to strengthen both the technical expertise and leadership capabilities required to excel in this dynamic field. In addition to developing core project management skills, the program emphasizes the leadership attributes that distinguish high-performing professionals. This five-course program is grounded in global best practices and reflects the latest competencies outlined by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), including the PMBOK® Guide.
The growing need for competent entry-level Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Practitioners requires an understanding of the OHS field, including how health and safety relate to an organization’s overall management system and the knowledge of the legal framework for OHS in BC. This program will provide students with sufficient understanding of OHS in the workplace so that they can competently manage a basic OHS program.
For Masters, Navigating Officers, & Bridge Watch Keepers. Focus is on the practical skills required to ensure the safety of the ship, its personnel and cargo, and the protection of the environment. Topics include Bridge Resource Management (BRM) concepts; error chain and situational awareness; bridge organization, leadership, and teamwork; Pilot and crew relationship; passage planning, execution, and recording; effective communication skills; and emergency preparedness.
Learn the latest approaches in curriculum development, instruction, and reflective evaluation for teachers in adult-learning environments.
This hands-on specialty course gives trades professionals and fabricators the advanced skills needed to weld, finish, and inspect sanitary stainless steel systems used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and healthcare environments. Building on core GTAW (TIG) principles, the training focuses on purge welding, tube and pipe preparation, and hygienic finishing to meet industry sanitary standards. Participants will work with thin-wall stainless steel materials and learn how to produce clean, crevice-free welds suitable for CIP and sterile applications.
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.
