British Columbia introduces mandatory certification for workers
Members of certain professions will be required to prove their qualifications.
British Columbia is launching a system of mandatory professional certification for working professions, which was abolished in 2003. Until now, the province was the only region in Canada that did not require certification for these occupations.
According to the government, the system will guarantee better paid and more stable jobs for members of the working professions. This certificate is similar to the higher education required for highly skilled occupations.
Currently, thousands of skilled workers in B.C. do not have certificates to prove their skills. Because of this, they are often paid less. The government says the certification program will also help solve the problem of some professions being perceived as more prestigious than others.
The system will be launched in stages. The first professions for which certification will be required
- electrician;
- industrial electrician;
- power line worker;
- refrigeration, heating and air conditioning systems mechanic;
- Gasman;
- plumber plumber;
- sheet metal worker;
- large equipment mechanic;
- car repair mechanic;
- car body repairman.
The list will be updated in the future. Once a particular profession is on the list of those for which certification is required, its rulers will have one year to register as an apprentice, or to take the exam for certification.
