Apprentices on Public Projects
Last updated on May 3, 2018Every apprentice needs an employer sponsor. To support the growth of the BC apprenticeship system and develop more certified tradespersons in BC, the B.C. government is requiring contractors on new, major infrastructure projects to demonstrate they are engaged in apprenticeship training.
This policy aims to increase the total number of employer sponsors in the province and thereby provide more opportunities for apprentices to gain the skills and experience needed to become certified tradespersons.
Beginning July 1, 2015, all new, major infrastructure projects in British Columbia, valued at over $15 million will require contractors and subcontractors to demonstrate they are engaged in apprenticeship training and use apprentices on the work site. Specifically, contractors will:
- Demonstrate an Engagement in Apprenticeship Training
- Each prime contractor must use, and ensure that its subcontractors use, registered apprentice(s) in contracts valued at more than $500,000, where the primary scope of work is in one of the 57 Red Seal trades (PDF).
- Registered apprentices must be used directly on the project during the term of the contracts.
- Report on the Use of Registered Apprentices
- Complete and submit Form A: Confirmation of Intent to Use Registered Apprentices.
- Prime contractors are to provide apprenticeship data for all contracts where the primary scope of work is in a Red Seal trade by completing and submitting Form B: Apprentice Utilization Report, quarterly and at the end of the project.
This policy applies to all new major infrastructure projects undertaken by:
- all Ministries of the Provincial Government
- Health Authorities
- Boards of Education
- Public Post-Secondary Institutions
- B.C. Hydro.
Other public sector organizations and projects with a total provincial investment less than $15 million are encouraged to adopt best practices, including engaging in apprenticeship training and reporting on the use of registered apprentices and trainees.
Additional details on the policy can be found in the Policy and Procedure Guidelines (PDF).