Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

TradeUpBC is a provincially funded initiative that promotes courses and programs at British Columbia post-secondary institutes, making it easier for skilled tradespeople to find professional development opportunities throughout BC.

We feature a variety of trades-related courses and programs at post-secondary institutes across BC. These courses include construction training, hospitality and tourism education, manufacturing and industrial courses, transportation and marine trades programs, and courses related to renewable energy and the environmental trades. You'll also find courses and programs that go beyond the trades and help anyone looking to learn about management, accounting, inclusivity, business operations, and more. View the full overview of courses here.

Depending on the institution, and the level of certification, it can vary from 36 hours to a year.

We do not connect you directly with employers. However, we host organizations that offer workshops and provide industry connections.

These courses are open to experienced tradespeople who want to update their skills, advance their careers, or strengthen their businesses. TradeUpBC also provides public post-secondary institutes with a new, and streamlined hub to increase access to microcredentials and professional development courses for employees.

Our website showcases offerings from BC’s post-secondary institutes and aims to make it easier for people to obtain new skills and access high-demand employment in British Columbia. Courses are flexible and provided through online learning, virtual delivery, in-person, or blended options, including night or weekend classes. This flexibility allows people currently working or living abroad to explore these short-term training opportunities.

Contact the TradeUpBC team at: info@tradeupbc.ca

There is the possibility for you to access a StrongerBC future skills grant. You can also contact Financial Aid at your preferred post-secondary institute for information about possible grants and scholarships available. You may also have possible scholarships available to you through your current employer or union.

The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills is responsible for the StrongerBC future skills grant. For more information, please visit this website.

TradeUpBC is a centralized online hub that brings together short-term training opportunities from British Columbia's post-secondary institutes for experienced trades workers. These courses help people upgrade their skills and knowledge quickly to meet the needs of in-demand and rapidly evolving jobs. Courses are provided through online learning, virtual delivery, in-person, or blended options, including night or weekend classes.

You can advance your skills and technical knowledge, gain new skills, or even explore other trades of interest. Through this website, you have access to available programs from public post-secondary institutes throughout the province.

Most courses on this website do not have prerequisites. However, some courses are specifically meant for Red Seal-certified tradespeople (e.g., electrician or automotive mechanic), while others may ask for basic high school physics, English, or math as entry requirements.

A micro-credential is a short-duration, competency-based program that aligns with labour market or community needs. Micro-credentials provide opportunities for people to quickly obtain new skills and access high-demand employment. As they are often offered at a shorter length, lower cost, and with flexible delivery options, micro-credentials can increase access to post-secondary education for a wide range of people. As part of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, the Province is developing and enhancing micro-credentials across B.C. to ensure the availability of short-duration training that responds quickly to labour market needs and the evolving economy. For more information about micro-credentials in British Columbia, visit this website.