Learn a Trade

Thinking about Apprenticeship & Trades

Apprenticeship is a kind of post-secondary education that pays you to complete work-based training and technical training in a classroom or workshop environment. You essentially “earn while you learn.” An apprenticeship leads to professional certification as a tradesperson.

To enter an apprenticeship program, you need an employer who will sponsor you. To find a sponsor and register as an apprentice, you can either:

• Go through an apprenticeship and training committee
• Arrange employment through a labour organization
• Contact an employer directly
• Work with your local AHRDA directly

In general, to become an apprentice, you need to complete your Grade 12 or equivalent.

Depending on where you apprentice and which trade you are training for:

• It can take from one to five years to complete your program and become a certified Tradesperson
• You will spend about 80 percent of your time learning on the job
• You will spend about 20 percent of your time studying in a classroom or workshop setting.

There are more than 100 different apprenticeship programs in British Columbia. For more information about becoming an apprentice, check out the Industrial Training Authority’s websites: http://www.theskilledlife.com/ or http://www.itabc.ca/site3.aspx

“In high school, I decided I wanted to attend college or university at some point so I made sure I took courses that would help me realise that dream later down the road. But, it turned out, I started working at Eskay Creek and it was the idea of learning a trade that appealed more than going back to school to get a degree.”

Sheldon Flostrand, Tahltan and Norwegian ancestry

Choose a Trade

We’ve put together a list of some of the Trades you can find on exploration and mine sites around the province. And it’s important to remember that many Trades are transferable so, while you may apprentice in one industry, you may end up working in another. See some of the possible Trades opportunities in mineral exploration and mining can be found here:

• Aggregate Plant Operator
• Aircraft Maintenance Technician
• Asphalt Paving/Laydown
• Asphalt Plant Operator
• Automotive Machinist
• Automotive Service Technician "Red Seal"
• Baker "Red Seal"
• Boilermaker (Construction Boilermaker) "Red Seal"
• Boom Truck Operator Class A Trade
• Boom Truck Operator Class B Trade
• Carpenter "Red Seal"
• Communication Technician
• Construction Formwork Technician
• Cook "Red Seal"
• Diesel Engine Mechanic
• Diesel Fuel Injection Mechanic
• Domestic/Commercial Gasfitter
• Domestic/Residential Certified Geothermal Technician
• Domestic/Residential Certified Heating Technician
• Electric Motor Systems Technician (Winder Electrician) "Red Seal"
• Electrician, Construction "Red Seal"
• Electrician, Industrial "Red Seal"
• Forklift Mechanic
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Mechanic) "Red Seal"
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Hydraulic Crane Operator
• Hydraulic Service Mechanic
• Industrial Engines and Equipment Partsperson
• Industrial Instrument Mechanic "Red Seal"
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) "Red Seal"
• Ironworker Generalist (Ironworker) "Red Seal"
• Machinist "Red Seal"
• Metal Fabricator (Fitter) "Red Seal"
• Plumber "Red Seal"
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Refrigeration Mechanic) "Red Seal"
• Reinforcing Steel Installer
• Rig Technician 1
• Rig Technician 2
• Rig Technician 3 "Red Seal"
• Sheet Metal Worker "Red Seal"
• Steamfitter / Pipefitter "Red Seal"
• Welder (Welder Level "A" or Welder Level "B") "Red Seal"
• Welder Level 'C'

You can register as an apprentice, combining on-the-job training with in-class learning, to work towards a Trades certificate. In some of British Columbia’s larger towns, you can start earning credits towards your apprenticeship while you are still in high school. For more information, visit the British Columbia Ministry of Education, Career and Applied Programs or contact a BC AMTA Program Coach.

OPPORTUNITY • TRAINING • RESULTS

Want to make a difference in your life and your community?

BCAMTA can help by connecting you to training and jobs in mineral exploration and mining. Get the skills, training and work experience you need to find a career with the potential to last you a lifetime.