1. Apprenticeship Training Opportunities in BC Gary McDermott Director, Aboriginal Apprenticeship February 2008

2. What is the Industry Training Authority? Manages BC’s apprenticeship system on behalf of the provincial government Registers apprentices and their sponsors and tracks training progress Funds post-secondary and high school apprenticeship training Awards trades certificates to people who have met all requirements Works closely with industry to update and develop new training programs as needed

3. What is Apprenticeship? 100+ provincial recognized programs; 47 nationally recognized (Red Seal/Interprovincial) programs Provide knowledge and skills required to work as a certified tradesperson Involve combination of work-based training and technical (in- school) training Result in a provincial and/or national credential Durations vary; most take about 4 years to complete Apprentices must have a sponsor willing to supervise their work-based training, and register with the ITA

4. Variety of Trades Construction occupations: carpenters, glaziers, painters, floor layers, electricians, plumbers Industrial occupations: millwright, equipment operator, heavy-duty mechanic Hospitality and personal-service occupations: cooks, bakers and hair stylists And many other careers in industries ranging from aerospace to oil and gas to horticulture.

5. Rewards of the Trades The trades are highly skilled and rewarding careers: The work is hands-on and the results are visible The training is 80-85% on-the-job – and paid A trade can turn a personal passion into a career (cars, cosmetics, wood-working, gardening…) Qualified trades people can earn excellent salaries A trade can be a starting point for many different careers - manager, entrepreneur, inspector, instructor… The trades offer career flexibility and travel opportunities not available in other professions

6. Demand for Trades Now is a great time to get into the trades: BC’s economy is growing, new jobs are being created and unemployment is very low Lots of big construction projects are planned or underway BC’s tourism, service and transportation industries are preparing for the Olympics Many of today’s qualified trades people are close to retiring Most industries say they can’t find enough skilled workers now, and almost all expect shortages in the years ahead

7. Trades Certification: Benefits Getting your trades certificate has many advantages: Confidence that you’ve got the skills needed to succeed on the job Proof of your skills for employers Mobility to work anywhere in Canada – with an inter-provincial Red Seal certificate A good foundation for future upgrading (anything from further trades training to university)

8. Trades Certification: Entry Points There are three ways of getting started on earning your trades certificate: 1.Trades training programs in high school (ACE-IT and Secondary School Apprenticeship programs) 2.Foundation (pre-apprenticeship) programs at colleges 3.Direct entry into an apprenticeship with an employer Each of these entry points has its own advantages.

9. Trades Certification: Basic Requirements No matter which route you choose, you’ll have to register as an apprentice with the Industry Training Authority You’ll need to complete two sets of requirements to earn your trade certification Work-based Training Technical (in-school) Training Trades Certificate += 80-85% of training Tracked in hours 15-20% of training Evaluation/ examination requirements There are various ways of meeting these requirements…

10. Trade Certification: Basic Requirements Work-based Training Technical (in-school) Training Trades Certificate + = You can get work-based, practical experience in various ways: By finding an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice (including Secondary School Apprenticeships) Through work placements or other forms of practical experience during pre-employment programs

11. Trade Certification: Basic Requirements Work-based Training Technical (in-school) Training Trades Certificate += You can complete technical training in various ways: ACE-IT programs during high school (level 1); Apprenticeship technical training programs at a private or public college after high school – 6-8 weeks per year; Post-secondary foundation (pre-apprenticeship) programs, many of which give you credit for min. level 1 apprenticeship; or Self-study and challenge exams.

12. High School Programs There are two main trades training programs for high school students: –SSA (Secondary School Apprenticeship: work-based training –ACE-IT (Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training): technical (in-school) training

13. Foundation (pre-apprenticeship) Programs The Basics Foundation programs are usually several months long and are offered at colleges throughout B.C. They provide training in the basic skills required to work in a trade. The Benefits You don’t need an employer or previous experience. Upon successful program completion, you may receive a min. Level 1 credit towards your trade certificate (depends on trade). How to Get Started You apply in the same way you would to any other college program. Contact individual schools for information on programs, application procedures and costs.

14. Direct Entry to Apprenticeship The Basics Apprenticeship involves both work-based training and technical training. The Benefits This is the most direct route to a trades certificate. You will earn an income while you train on the job, and may qualify for EI while in school. How to Get Started You need to find a sponsor who will provide you with practical experience in your chosen trade. You and your sponsor then need to register with the ITA.

15. Financial supports available SSA students: Are registered apprentices 139 trades (49 Red Seal) Earn 16 credits towards graduation through their work based training component Get a head start on work-based training portion of an apprenticeship Acquire the skills employers are looking for Meet work experience learning outcomes that support the graduation portfolio Opportunity for $1,000 SSA scholarship

16. Financial supports con't….. SSA scholarship criteria: Registered in SSA prior to graduation C+ average in Grade 12 numbered courses Must have graduated from secondary school 5 months in trade after graduation (or 1100 hrs recorded with the ITA) Completed required 480 hours of SSA work experience (registered with ITA at least 1 month prior to graduation and complete 480 hours within 3 months of graduation)

17. Financial supports cont’d…….. Passport to Education Apprentices attending pre-approved technical training courses may apply BC Ministry of Education “Passport to Education” award stamps, Provincial or District Scholarship awards towards the cost of technical training. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards/

18. Financial supports cont’d…… Apprenticeship Incentive Grant –Taxable cash grant of $1000 per year up to $2000 per person. –Available to registered apprentices, once they have successfully completed their first or second year/level of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades. –Meant to help cover costs of tuition, travel and tool costs –You can apply if you have completed your in-school technical and on-the-job training for the first or second year/level of apprenticeship program. –http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/goc/apprenticeship.sht ml

19. Financial supports cont’d……. British Columbia Training Tax Credit (TTC) –The B.C. provincial training tax credits provide refundable income tax credits for employers and employees who are engaged in apprenticeship programs administered through the Industry Training Authority (ITA). –There are three main elements to the training tax credits: 1.basic credits for non-Red Seal training programs; 2.completion credits for both Red Seal and non-Red Seal training programs; and 3.enhanced credits for First Nations individuals and persons with disabilities. –To claim the training tax credit you complete a T1014 form and include it when filing your personal income tax return (T1). –http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/business/Income_Taxes/ttc/

20. Financial supports cont’d…….. Service Canada Apprentice Information – Applying for Employment Insurance Benefits and Personal Support Assistance Apprentices may qualify for temporary financial assistance during technical training if they have or are able to establish an active Employment Insurance claim. Please read the information in the package below or contact your nearest Service Canada Centre for more information. http://www.itabc.ca/forms.php#Apprentice_EI_B enefits_Procedure_Information_Package

21. Financial supports cont’d………. Tradesperson's Tools Deduction Certified trades people and apprentices may be eligible to claim the new tradesperson's tool deduction for tools and equipment purchased for work purposes after May 1, 2006. For more information, please visit www.cra- arc.gc.ca/whatsnew/tools-e.html

22. Financial supports cont’d…….. First Nations/Metis Contact Education officer at your First Nation. Some First Nations have the ability to fund technical training for apprenticeship. Contact your local Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement Holder (AHRDA). Some AHRDA’a have the ability to financially support you during your apprenticeship. Other Student loans Contact your local college: bursaries, grants, scholarships.

23. For More Information Industry Training Authority: www.itabc.ca For youth: www.theskilledlife.com Skills Trades – A Career You Can Build On: www.careersintrades.ca Skills Canada BC – www.skillscanada.bc.ca Work Futures: www.handson.workfutures.bc.ca Education Planner: www.educationplanner.bc.cawww.educationplanner.bc.ca Apprenticeship Incentive Grant: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/apprenticeship Career advisors or career education teachers Local colleges, industry associations and trade unions

24. Thank you Questions? Contact Information: Gary McDermott 604-214-8720 gmcdermott@itabc.ca