Resources

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline – If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline offers support that is:

• bilingual
• trauma-informed
• culturally appropriate
• available to anyone in Canada

Crisis Lines Across British Columbia – Map of crisis line services in BC.

For immediate help:

• If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be: 1-800-SUICIDE
• If you need emotional support, or mental health information and resources: 310-6789 (no area code)

Crisis Centre of BC Distress Services – Confidential, non-judgmental, free emotional support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for people in BC experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Click here for chat or call 310-6789 (no area code). Our Online Distress Services are a resource where youth and adults in distress can:

• GET HELP by having a real-time online chat with a trained volunteer, or by getting email support from the Crisis Centre’s professional staff
• LEARN MORE about common issues and concerns such as bullying, disordered eating, depression and self-harm
• FIND RESOURCES by connecting to our online library of useful websites and community resources

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multilingual Help Lines – Led by trained volunteers, the help lines provide non-English-speaking individuals with confidential emotional support and referrals to community resources that can support them to address a wide range of life issues.

• Mandarin Line: 1(888)-721-0596 / Ext.1, seven days per week from 10 am to 10 pm
• Cantonese Line: 1(888)-721-0596 / Ext.2, seven days per week from 10 am to 10 pm
• Korean Line: 1 (888)-721-0596 / Ext.3, Mon – Fri: 10 am – 8 pm, Sat – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm
• Farsi-Dari Line: 1 (888)-721-0596 / Ext.4, Mon – Fri: 10 am – 8 pm, Sat – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm
• Ukrainian Line: 1 (888)-721-0596 / Ext.5, Mon – Fri: 10 am – 8 pm, Sat – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm

KUU-US Crisis Line – KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides 24 hour phone support to Indigenous people throughout the province of British Columbia. Once the issue for support has been identified, the level of severity for call handling is determined. The goal is to establish a non-judgmental approach to listening and problem solving. A support system is put into place where the caller is brought back to a pre-crisis state.

• Adults/Elders (250-723-4050)
• Child/Youth (250-723-2040)
• Toll free (1-800-588-8717)
• Métis Line (1-833-MétisBC)

Hope for Wellness Help Line
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers 24/7 immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. (1-855-242-3310 or go to website for chat)

Ending Violence Association of BC’s List of Where to Get Help – Resources around domestic violence and abuse throughout BC.

Prince George Sexual Assault Centre – Prince George Sexual Assault Centre provides counselling and support services in a safe and supportive environment for individuals, families and groups. We work with women, men and children to help them overcome the effects of sexual violence. We advocate for societal change that does not tolerate oppression, exploitation or violence in any form. We strive to influence and increase awareness by delivering public education, and together as a community, create a culture free from sexual abuse.

Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP) – Mental health and addiction services for members of BC Building Trades unions.

VictimLinkBC – Toll-free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual, information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence in BC and the Yukon, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services. (1-800-563-0808)

Kids Help Phone – A 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.(1-800-668-6868)

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) – Suicide prevention information and resources, including support for those living with suicide loss.

Threads of Life – The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, known as Threads of Life, is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting families after a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease. Our network of family members and corporate partners believes traumatic workplace injuries, occupational diseases and deaths are preventable. If you are living with a life-altering injury, either to yourself or someone you love, we can help. If you or a loved one are living with an occupational disease, we can help. If you are living with the outcome of a fatality related to work, we can help.

WorkSafeBC Crisis Support Line – Contact us if you or your family is in emotional crisis and you’ve been injured at work. Our counsellors are available 24/7 and can provide support to you and your family, refer you to other services in your community, and alert us so we can follow up with you. You don’t need a WorkSafeBC claim to call us for help. (1-800-624-2928)

KOOL – Kamloops Open Online Learning (KOOL) is a publicly funded, provincially accredited online K-12 program operated by the Kamloops-Thompson School District, SD73 that is open to all BC residents and adult learners. KOOL can help you with…

• Using your Red Seal to obtain a high school diploma if you haven’t finished high school but have a trade
• Upgrading your physics or math or other courses so that you can apply for programs or jobs that require them

GCFGlobal.org Program – For almost 20 years, the GCFGlobal.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFGlobal.org offers more than 300 topics, including more than 6,000 lessons, more than 2,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely FREE:

• Computer Skills
• Math Skills
• Microsoft Office Skills
• Internet Skills

UP Skills for Work – UP Skills for Work helps learners develop key employability and life skills through FREE workshops and downloadable workbooks. These skills lay the foundation for a strong and flexible workforce and for happy, fulfilled citizens. Self-paced online courses include:

• Confidence
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) – LinkedIn Learning provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. Membership is FREE through library systems throughout BC: Visit the website of your local library for access.

Indigenous Canada (University of Alberta) – Indigenous Canada is a FREE 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. This course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

Project Implicit – Project Implicit is the product of a team of scientists whose research produced new ways of understanding attitudes, stereotypes, and other hidden biases that influence perception, judgment, and action. These online tests are FREE, and help you discover your own implicit biases.

Take Home Naloxone Training – Take Home Naloxone is a FREE BC program that is saving lives. Naloxone (also called Narcan®) reverses an overdose from opioids. People who are likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose (including all tradesworkers) can get a FREE Take Home Naloxone kit from an approved site (eg. local hospital or pharmacy). This training will tell you how to tell when somebody is overdosing, and how to respond with your Take Home Naloxone kit.

Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) – This FREE course is designed as a basic introduction to GBA+, which is an analytical process used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. The “plus” in GBA+ acknowledges that GBA+ goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences. We all have multiple identity factors that intersect to make us who we are; GBA+ also considers many other identity factors, such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.

Provincial Instructor Diploma Program (PIDP) – The Provincial Instructor Diploma (PIDP) provides the instructional skills to teach adults in private and public post-secondary institutions in BC. It is the standard qualification for instructor positions at trades training institutions, though many schools will allow instructors to complete the diploma after they are hired, and some even fund the course for instructors.

Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Program – Blue Seal is a certification specifically for tradespeople. It identifies a Red Seal or Journeyperson who has taken a minimum of 12 credits in business. Depending on your career goals, education and work experience, there are several options designed to build upon Red Seal or Journeyperson Certificate. For more information, please connect with one of the following Blue Seal program providers:

• Camosun College
• BCIT
• Thompson Rivers University

Gold Seal Certification – The Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Gold Seal Certification Program establishes, administers and continuously improves national professional certification standards for construction management; certifies construction management professionals working in the industrial, commercial, institutional and civil infrastructure sectors against these national standards; AND promotes accredited education and training for construction management professionals.

Ellis Chart: Comparative Chart of Apprentice Training Programs – The Ellis Chart website provides comparative apprenticeship and certification information on designated trades in Canada. This includes both Red Seal trades and non-Red Seal trades. The Ellis Chart includes the following information for each trade for the province or territory where the trade is designated:

• Red Seal Offered
• Apprenticeship Program Characteristics (e.g. length, levels, ratios, etc.)
• Certification Characteristics (e.g. hours required, licensing requirements, format of examinations)

The purpose of the Ellis Chart is to give an easy comparison of trade programs. For more detailed information about the program in each province or territory, please refer to that province or territory’s apprenticeship website.

Trades Training BC – Trades Training BC’s primary function is to encourage students and others considering career retraining to explore trades as a viable career option, at one of BC’s 15 public post-secondary educational institutions. Features information, resources, course seat-finder, and job board.

College of the BC Building Trades – The College of the BC Building Trades is an association of training providers affiliated with the construction unions that belong to the BC Building Trades. Features information on training options for member trades.

Trades Information on EducationPlannerBC – Advice, information & resources to help you plan your educational journey.

WorkBC’s Career Compass – Career Compass is the provincial government’s interactive online resource that helps people identify and explore potential career options. The tool was designed to address a range of needs, by providing three pathways to exploration:

• Three interactive quizzes that lead to customized lists of matching careers
• A regional approach to exploring industries and career opportunities
• Searchable infographic career profiles that provide key information such as salary, job prospects and education requirements

Designated Training Providers for Trades Regulated by SkilledTradesBC – Colleges, universities and non-public institutions provide technical (or classroom) training for B.C.’s apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. SkilledTradesBC awards credit for training only from Approved Training Providers who meet our program standards.

List of all SkilledTradesBC Trades Programs – SkilledTradesBC manages nearly 90 trades programs in BC, 48 of which are Red Seal.

Skills for Success for Trades Careers – Career profiles and information on skills needed to succeed in many trades occupations, including free workbook and assessment activities.

WorkBC’s Explore Careers – Explore 500 career profiles and get all the details you need, from job duties and wages to projected demand in your region.

StudentAidBC’s Explore Occupations – Deciding on the right education path begins with career exploration. There are many tools and resources available to help you set and pursue your career goals.

Government of Canada’s Guide to Becoming an Apprentice – A career in the skilled trades is a chance to find a job that is in demand with good pay. Use the following steps to start your journey as an apprentice.

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s Apprenticeship 101 – Essential information about Canada’s apprenticeship systems. Learn facts, terminology and other important details about apprenticeship in Canada.

ACCESS Trades Training – ACCESS Trades was established to increase training and apprenticeship opportunities in the urban Indigenous community in BC. Our services are specifically designed for men and women interested in entering into apprenticeship training and becoming certified in one of the trades. Our training is delivered through certified colleges and union training schools.

Find Work with ISS of BC – New immigrants to Canada have different job search needs. Our decades-long experience with newcomer job-seekers and the variety of quality employment services we offer will help you find success! ISSofBC provides a supportive environment for newcomers to Canada of all backgrounds. We are here to meet your settlement, English language and employment needs.

Auto Careers BC – Auto Careers BC is tailored to labour attraction and retention for the automotive aftermarket industry, through providing information about car-related careers, maintaining a job board, and more!

Job Bank – Search job postings across Canada.

CivicInfo: BC Local Government Job Posting Service – Search job postings with cities, towns, villages, and municipalities across BC.

Report and Guide on Diversifying the HVAC Workforce – With government incentives, new regulations, and increased needs for cooling because of climate change, heat pumps and related heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services and equipment have never been in greater demand. And yet, this sector is in a hiring crisis – at the same time as it remains out of step with Vancouver’s tremendous diversity. With the support of the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) and the City of Vancouver, BCCWITT undertook new research and developed a guide to baseline diversity in the HVAC industry, along with tools to help increase that diversity.

• Constructing Opportunity: Understanding and Addressing Diversity in BC’s HVAC Industry – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  Labour Market Analysis, August 2023
• HVAC Industry Guide: Tactics to Attract & Retain a Diverse Workforce

BCCWITT Be More Than a Bystander Program – BCCWITT is working with our male allies in the industry and community to change the culture where we all work. Bystander education is a key component to creating welcoming, inclusive, healthy and safe organizations. Participants learn effective intervention strategies that they model in the organization and are tasked with sharing what they have learned with other men. Check out our BMTAB training highlights video here!

Native Women’s Association of Canada’s National Apprenticeships Program: Workplace Training Modules – We are excited to introduce a comprehensive training program designed to empower your organization with the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. With eight free modules covering critical topics essential for fostering an inclusive workplace, we believe that this initiative will contribute to positive change across diverse sectors. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for all to access these valuable resources and collectively drive progress. Explore our Workplace Training Modules to navigate the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and let us support your organization in creating an inclusive workplace culture that values and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual.

BC Human Rights Clinic Resources for Employers – We offer public education workshops and training sessions on a range of human rights topics. Sessions raise awareness about human rights law across the province and help employers, HR professionals, housing providers, and other service providers, as well as the general public, to understand their rights and responsibilities under BC’s human rights laws, including:

• The duty to accommodate employees with disabilities
• Preventing, investigating and responding to sexual harassment
• Creating a respectful, inclusive and discrimination-free workplace
• Process and procedures of the Human Rights Tribunal

Workers in Transition Guide: A Practical Guide for Union Representatives and Trans Union Members – A guide designed for trade union leaders, union staff representatives, local executive, committee members and shop stewards. We all have a role to play to better protect the rights of our trans members and ensure they have the support they need in our workplaces, in our unions and in our communities.

BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner: Human Rights Code Educational Sessions – We envision a province in which we are all free from inequality, discrimination, and injustice. These free, introductory educational sessions seek to educate the public about B.C.’s Human Rights Code, a human rights law relevant to everyone in the province. These sessions are held throughout the year, take place online via Zoom, are interactive, and relate to three settings protected by the Human Rights Code: Housing, Employment and Services.Supporting Retention for Indigenous Peoples in the Skilled Trades – The purpose of this report is to present to CAF-FCA an inclusion framework for success to support and retain Indigenous Peoples in the trades, including Métis citizens, Inuit and First Nations people.

QMUNITY: BC’s Queer, Trans, & Two-Spirit Resource Centre – Inclusive spaces help everyone thrive. We can help you create those spaces. Through publications, multimedia materials, one-on-one consultations, and interactive workshops, our Diversity and Inclusion Experts help individuals, families, businesses, schools, and service providers to identify and avoid discriminatory behaviours and to explore the complexity, fluidity, and potential of sexual and gender diversity. Take the first step in building safe, inclusive environments that will benefit everyone at your organization.

• Training
• Consulting
• Resources

Adrienne Smith Law – Adrienne Smith is a white social justice lawyer from Vancouver, and is thrilled to be joining you by Zoom as a skilled and interactive training facilitator. Workshops that they offer include…

• Solidarity Includes Everyone (Transgender Rights level 1)
• Dismantling White Supremacy
• Introduction to Social Justice
• Basic Human Rights for Union Activists
• Labour Law for Organizers
• Introduction to Social Media for Beginners
• Custom content created to meet the needs of your group

ITA BC – Leveling the Field – A Best Practices Guide to Employing Women in the Trades (2018) – This guide will help employers understand what they can do to reduce barriers face by women in trades, helping to level the field, so equally qualified women get a chance. It does not promote hiring women over men, but rather looks at employment practices that will help you find and keep the best qualified person for the job.

Best Practices from the Policy Group on Tradeswomen’s Issues (United States) – All of PGTI’s Best Practices have been tested and proven effective by our labor, contractor and owner/developer partners on our Targeted Projects. Effectiveness is assessed by increases in women’s hours as a percent of total hours at both the project and subcontractor level.

Gender Decoder: Finding subtle bias in job ads – Without realising it, we all use language that is subtly ‘gender-coded’. Society has certain expectations of what men and women are like, and how they differ, and this seeps into the language we use. Think about “bossy” and “feisty”: we almost never use these words to describe men. This linguistic gender-coding shows up in job adverts as well, and research has shown that it puts women off applying for jobs that are advertised with masculine-coded language. This site is a quick way to check whether a job advert has the kind of subtle linguistic gender-coding that has this discouraging effect.

Project Implicit – Project Implicit is the product of a team of scientists whose research produced new ways of understanding attitudes, stereotypes, and other hidden biases that influence perception, judgment, and action. These online tests are FREE, and help you discover your own implicit biases.

Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) – This FREE course is designed as a basic introduction to GBA+, which is an analytical process used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. The “plus” in GBA+ acknowledges that GBA+ goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences. We all have multiple identity factors that intersect to make us who we are; GBA+ also considers many other identity factors, such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.

LGBTQ2+ Workplace Inclusion Training – Biphobia, homophobia and transphobia still exist in the workplace and remain under-represented in diversity and inclusion conversations. Only 59% of organizations communicate strong leadership message on the importance of LGBTQ2+ inclusion in the workplace to all employees. Gain the knowledge and understanding to act, speak, and treat all people fairly, through training with Pride at Work Canada.

6 things that you can do as a manager to create more inclusive environments for trans and non-binary staff – Diversity and inclusion expert Tara Robertson surveyed nearly 50 trans and/or non-binary people about their advice for how managers can create inclusive environments on teams. Here are six things that you can do to create a more inclusive work environment for trans and/or non-binary staff.

Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Employees in the Workplace – A guide from the BC Public Service.

How microaggressions are like mosquito bites – For people that still don’t think microaggresions are a problem: Just imagine that instead of being a stupid comment, a microaggression is a mosquito bite. This video has swear words in it; clean version is here.

Builders Code – The Builders Code seeks to empower employers to explicitly define and expand their commitment to workforce safety and provide an Acceptable Worksite where every employee can work to their full potential. The Builders Code launched on Friday March 8, 2019, and is proud to acknowledge hundreds of employers, who have signed the Builders Code Acceptable Worksite Pledge, for their leadership and commitment to building a construction industry that works for everyone.

Tailgate Toolkit: Supervisor Training – The Tailgate Toolkit Project is an innovative program aimed at increasing access to harm reduction services and ideas for those working in the construction industry. Supervisor Training is recommended for those in front-line supervisory or engagement positions such as forepeople, superintendents, project managers, and first aid attendants. However, the learning outcomes of the training are applicable to everyone, and we can work with you to train everyone who is interested.

LNG Canada Trades Training Fund – Designed specifically to support industry and apprenticeship training for the construction and related trades in BC, the LNG Canada Trades Training Fund will be of particular interest to small employers in BC who would like help covering costs of Foundation or Apprenticeship training for an employee interested in developing their skills in high demand trades.

CSA Z301:24: Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in apprenticeship programs – This is the first edition of CSA Z301, Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in apprenticeship programs. The intent of this Standard is to improve outcomes for apprentices from equity-deserving groups in the skilled trades. Creating more opportunities for these individuals to access and succeed in the skilled trades will lead to more equitable workforces and help employers meet human resource demands for qualified employees. In this edition, equity-deserving groups refers to but is not limited to Indigenous, Black and other racialized groups, women, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, and newcomers to Canada. This Standard has been developed to address the low participation and retention rates of these groups in skilled trades and apprenticeships.

BC Human Rights EDI Hiring Practice Guide – The Commissioner’s question and answer (Q&A) resource offers definitions of key terms, clarifies how EDI works, describes some of the measures it includes in the workplace and explains some of the related legal issues. In so doing, it describes the benefits of EDI both to society—by helping to combat discrimination and diversify the workforce—and to individual organisations, which can benefit from improved team performance and reputation as a result of EDI measures. 

SkilledTradesBC Youth Programs – SkilledTradesBC Youth Trade Programs let you get started in a trade while you’re still in high school. That means you could be working in your field, learning from experts and earning a paycheque — all before you graduate.

List of Trades Support Contacts at British Columbia School Districts – Many BC school districts have a staff person who is designated as a support for students wishing to explore trades career options; contact them to learn more about offerings in your area.

Supporting Retention for Indigenous Peoples in the Skilled Trades (July 2024) – The purpose of this report is to present to CAF-FCA an inclusion framework for success to support and retain Indigenous Peoples in the trades, including Métis citizens, Inuit and First Nations people.

As Apprenticeships Expand, Breaking Down Occupational Segregation Is Key to Women’s Economic Success: Gender, Race, and the Wage Gap in Apprenticeship (March 2024) – This report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research in the United States assesses whether apprenticeship expansion has improved gender diversity in apprenticeships and whether apprenticeships deliver the same earnings to women and men who completed an apprenticeship. It analyzes data by gender, race, and ethnicity from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) database.

Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment in the Skilled Trades in Nova Scotia: Key Findings Report (March 2024) – This report highlights key findings from the YWCA Halifax’s evaluation and exploratory research into sexual and gender-based harassment in the skilled trades. Between July 2023 and October 2023, the Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment (SGBH) in Skilled Trades project conducted a survey and follow-up interviews to learn about the prevalence of workplace sexual and gender-based harassment in the skilled trades sector in Nova Scotia, its impact on women and gender diverse people, and the underlying organizational cultures contributing to this issue.

LGBTQ2S+ Populations in the Trades in Canada: Exploratory Insights (September 2023) – Skilled trades are a key component of the Canadian economy; over 3 million Canadians (or 17% of labour force) work in the skilled trades. A number of equity-deserving groups are however under-represented in the skilled trades, including the LGBTQ2S+ population. Knowledge of the employment patterns of LGBTQ2S+ people in the skilled trades in Canada is currently limited. Very little is known, for example, about the employment patterns, such as income, employment status, hours worked as well as education, general health, work stress characteristics of LGBTQ2S+ individuals employed in the trades. There is also a gap in our understanding of the perceptions of and available supports for LGBTQ2S+ populations in the trades among the key stakeholders in Canada.

Given these research and data gaps, a better understanding of the current realities of this population with respect to working in the trades is important for evidence-based policy considerations. This project uses a mixed-methods approach, combining multi-cycle data from the Canadian Community Health Survey along with stakeholder interviews, to address the following questions: (1) What are the employment patterns and socio-demographic profiles of lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations in the trades in Canada? And (2) What are the perceptions of key stakeholders in terms of the experiences, barriers, and available supports for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in the trades? The findings from this project will be used to provide ESDC with insights and recommendations with respect to the participation of LGBTQ2S+ populations in the trades, with a particular emphasis of further areas for research and data development.

Report and Guide on Diversifying the HVAC Workforce (August 2023) – With government incentives, new regulations, and increased needs for cooling because of climate change, heat pumps and related heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services and equipment have never been in greater demand. And yet, this sector is in a hiring crisis – at the same time as it remains out of step with Vancouver’s tremendous diversity. With the support of the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) and the City of Vancouver, BCCWITT undertook new research and developed a guide to baseline diversity in the HVAC industry, along with tools to help increase that diversity.

• Constructing Opportunity: Understanding and Addressing Diversity in BC’s HVAC Industry – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  Labour Market Analysis, August 2023
• HVAC Industry Guide: Tactics to Attract & Retain a Diverse Workforce

Lead with Pride: Best Practices for Advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership (June 2023) – In collaboration with our community and partners, Pride at Work Canada undertook a study on 2SLGBTQIA+ senior and executive leadership across multiple industries and sectors – the first study of its kind in Canada. This resource features an analysis of the career pathways and experiences of 23 queer and trans leaders, as well as the workplace practices of 13 private, public, and non-profit sector employers, to establish an understanding of the barriers, supports, and opportunities for queer and trans professionals to reach leadership positions in Canada. It used an intersectional analysis and intentionally features the voices of trans and queer leaders who are Black, Indigenous, racialized and disabled, and who have immigrant backgrounds.

Labour market outcomes of Indigenous journeypersons in Canada (March 2023) – Over the last several decades, the number of Indigenous people in Canada has steadily increased. In the most recent Census (2021), 1.8 million Indigenous people were enumerated, representing a 9.4% increase from 2016. In comparison, the growth of the non-Indigenous population over the same period was 5.3%. Barriers to participation and success persist in the skilled trades for key groups, including Indigenous peoples, women, and racialized groups. Understanding Indigenous people’s representation and outcomes as journeypersons may lead to greater diversity and inclusion in the skilled trades, as well as increased labour supply. This study considers the labour market outcomes of recently certified First Nations (on- and off-reserve), Métis and Inuit journeypersons in Canada.\

Earnings indicators for certified journeypersons in Canada, 2020 (March 2023) – Statistics Canada, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and other stakeholders, has developed the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform (ELMLP). The ELMLP allows longitudinal integration of administrative data related to education with other data sources to provide customized datasets for analytical purposes. The ELMLP Program fills data gaps and enables a greater understanding of student and apprenticeship pathways, transitions to the labour market and outcomes over time. Data from the ELMLP can help address a wide range of policy questions pertaining to student and apprenticeship persistence, completion, mobility and pathways as well as their labour market outcomes. These data allow policy makers to understand the different types of trajectories that students can take through their postsecondary education or apprenticeship training as well as student characteristics that may be related to these trajectories.

Building a Culture of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice at a Community College (July 2022) – Through a case study focused on balanced enrolment by gender in trades training, this document considers a number of potential solutions before focusing on policies and practices related to recruitment, application, and admission of women into two trades programs. Principles of transformational leadership and transformative leadership theory are entwined with a change roadmap and a change process of appreciative inquiry to create a matrix for change at College on the Water (a pseudonym). A project community map is created and key responsibilities are outlined, as are the critical elements of a communication plan. Lessons learned from this case study can be applied to other programs that are inequitable in representation, whether by gender, socioeconomic status, race, or other differentiation.

Pathways for those who discontinue their apprenticeship program (September 2022) – This infographic describes the pathways of people who leave their apprenticeships, and includes which trades they had been in and what they do next, with data from two binary genders (men & women).

“Can you bring down the systemic barriers in construction?” Barriers affecting women in trades initiatives in Canada (April 2022) – In response to women’s persistent underrepresentation in Canada’s skilled construction trades, recent years have seen the introduction of roles, programs, and organizations tasked with advancing gender equity in this realm. However, while research has focused on if, how, and to what extent women in trades (WIT) initiatives foster improved outcomes for tradeswomen, there is limited understanding of the barriers experienced by WIT initiatives themselves. Drawing on 48 interviews with WIT initiatives, employers, and other sector stakeholders across Canada, this report shares findings from an exploratory study shedding light on the barriers impeding WIT initiatives from fulfilling their mandates.

Women in the Automotive Industry: Increasing Female Representation within B.C.’s Automotive Workforce to Combat the Growing Labour Shortage (2021) – British Columbia’s automotive industry is facing a growing labour shortage in 2021. Up to 35 percent of automotive technicians are expected to exit the industry by 2029, largely to retirement. Clearly there is a need for a large influx of new workers, and since women represent only 5 percent of automotive tradespeople and skilled labourers, they very much are an untapped resource. Appealing to women could be a way for the automotive industry to make up for these labour losses.

Labour market outcomes of journeypersons designated as visible minorities (November 2021) – Using data from Statistics Canada’s Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform (ELMLP), this study examines populations designated as visible minorities in the skilled trades. The labour market outcomes, one year after certification, of journeypersons designated as visible minorities, who responded to the 2016 Census of Population and received certificates in the skilled trades between 2008 and 2017, were compared with the outcomes of journeypersons who are not visible minorities.

The labour market outcomes of economic immigrants in the skilled trades (November 2021) – This article examines trends in the admission and labour market outcomes of economic immigrant principal applicants who intended to work in skilled trades. The admission of skilled trades immigrants increased rapidly in the late 2000s and early 2010s, as the immigration selection system responded to an apparent increase in demand for skilled tradespeople at that time. Skilled trades immigrants had a substantially higher incidence of employment than other economic immigrant principal applicants in the initial years after admission. In the longer term, their employment advantage remained but was reduced for skilled trades immigrant men. Over time, the advantage disappeared for women. Skilled trades immigrants had a much slower earnings growth after admission than other economic immigrants. The factors affecting earnings were somewhat different for skilled trades immigrants. Notably, the positive effects on earnings of holding a university degree, having a greater proficiency in an official language and having pre-admission Canadian work experience were much weaker among skilled trades immigrants than among other economic immigrants.

How Much Do They Make? New Evidence on the Early Career Earnings of Trade Certificate Holders (March 2021) – This report and related materials, including the interactive dashboard, presents the results of an analysis of the early career earnings of journeypersons in Canada using the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform (ELMLP). Earnings vary considerably by type of trade and gender. Women with trade certificates earn only 47% of what men earn in the first year and 46% eight years out, reflecting both earnings differences within each trade category and women being overrepresented in the lower-earning trades. (Direct link to summary infographic)

LMI Insight Report no. 41, Women With Low-Earnings Trade Certificates (April 2021) – Report drawing on the LMIC–EPRI report on earnings of Red Seal journeypersons. Women make up fewer than 10% of Red Seal certified journeypersons in Canada, and they are overwhelming concentrated in three trades: hairstylist, cook and baker. Female journeypersons with Red Seal certification earn persistently less than their male counterparts within all broad trade categories.

Factors associated with the completion of apprenticeship training in Canada (December 2020) – Apprenticeship training is the key pathway for an individual to become a skilled tradesperson in Canada. This study uses data from the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform from 2008 to 2016 to examine which factors affect the certification rates of registered apprentices in Canada. This study also examines the impact of employment conditions during on-the-job training (the paid portion of the training) on program completion.

How Do Women in Male-dominated Apprenticeships Fare in the Labour Market? (March 2019) – Increasing women’s participation in male-dominated trades has been identified as a means of improving the supply of skilled tradespersons in Canada, creating a more diverse workforce, and increasing women’s wages. However, little information exists about women’s decision to enter male-dominated apprenticeship programs and their subsequent labour market outcomes. This study addresses both information gaps by examining the characteristics associated with women selecting male-dominated apprenticeship programs and their labour market outcomes relative to men who selected the same types of programs.

Enhancing the Retention and Advancement of Women in Trades in British Columbia (February 2017) – This study aims to develop an enriched understanding of the systemic and structural factors that present barriers to women’s participation in the trades, as well as the types of supports and services that would enhance entry and retention rates – and respond to these needs specifically in the unique context of British Columbia. It was one of the key sources cited in the proposal for creating the BC Centre for Women in the Trades.

SkilledTradesBC: Funded Training Programs – SkilledTradesBC partners with several service providers, training providers, and Indigenous organizations across B.C. to deliver skills development and employment programs focused on meeting the needs of underrepresented groups in the skilled trades, including women, Indigenous peoples, and other equity-deserving groups through funds from the Government of Canada and British Columbia.

The programs provide various individualized and group services and supports, hands-on trades exploration training, entry-level (pre-apprenticeship) trades technical training, industry recognized certification training, mentorship, job coaching and employment placement services.

North Island College: Women in Construction Trades Program – Explore a hands-on orientation to various high demand, skilled trades. This tuition-free sampling of trades aimed to inspire women interested in pursing a career in the trades. Trades topics covered will very by location and may include: welding, joinery, automotive, culinary, carpentry and commercial & residential painting.

Vancouver Island University: Women in Trades Training – Funding is available to help women receive funding in one of two pathways:

• Trade Discovery Programs
• Trades Foundation Programs

Camosun College: Women in Trades Training – The Women in Trades Training (WITT) initiative is part of a long-term strategy to match women’s skills to the needs of BC’s workplace. Funding for the Women in Trades Training initiative is provided through the Canada–British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

BC Institute of Technology: Trades Discovery for Women – Students gain hands-on experience in approximately 15 different trades disciplines. Some examples of activities are: lay out and fabrication, general piping, framing, welding, wiring and working on mechanical systems in automobiles, aircraft, and heavy equipment. The programs include two weeks of unpaid work experience, partnering education with industry and the community.

College of the Rockies: Women in Trades Training – If you are interested in a career in the skilled trades – but aren’t certain which one is right for you, the tuition-free Women in Trades Sampler is a great place to start. Throughout our full-time, 12- week program, you can explore six different trades to find the one that you’re best suited for! Learn more about: Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Electrician, Carpenter, Piping Trades, Welder, and Automotive. Through hands-on training in our trades shops, discover what it is like to work in an industrial shop setting. This program will also introduce you to Occupational Health and Safety standards, WorkSafe BC, and the BC apprentice system and you’ll learn from those working in a variety of trades through worksite visits and guest speakers.

Thomson Rivers University: Women in Trades – The Women in Trades initiative offers a number of programs to help women start or move ahead with a career in the trades: Women in Trades Foundation Class Opportunities, Women in Trades Exploratory Class, Women in Trades Mentorships, and External Awards and Bursaries

Okanagan College: Women in Trades – Okanagan College is among B.C.’s largest trades training institutions and has a reputation for excellence. SkilledTadesBC acknowledges the need for more female apprentices in the Province of BC. Through funding provided by the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement, Okanagan College is able to provide sponsorship for trades training to eligible and selected women who are interested in a career in the trades.

LNG Canada’s Your Place Program – Our tuition-free, four-week training program is delivered by Women Building Futures, an organization with over 20 years’ experience preparing, training and supporting women to succeed in the skilled trades. We’ve designed small classes to ensure you receive a hands-on, tailored experience. Upon successful completion, you’ll be prepared and feel confident to take on an entry-level position in construction and have the opportunity to apply directly for a job with JGC Fluor or one of its subcontractors to build the LNG Canada facility. In other cases, you will have the opportunity to join a union representing the trade of your choice, and be placed by the union on site to work. Our training program takes place in the Kitimat/Terrace region, near the building site of the LNG Canada facility. Women living anywhere in B.C. are invited to apply.

The New PPE – The New PPE is a non-profit association based in British Columbia and founded in 2023. Our organization was born out of a critical need to address the escalating issues of opioid overdoses and a toxic drug supply, particularly in British Columbia, and we quickly narrowed our strategic vision to empower workers and safeguard workplaces with the necessary tools and trainings. The New PPE founders, board, and network of supporters share the common goal of ensuring that every worksite is equipped to address the public health emergency of drug toxicity.

Take Home Naloxone Training – Take Home Naloxone is a FREE BC program that is saving lives. Naloxone (also called Narcan®) reverses an overdose from opioids. People who are likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose (including all tradesworkers) can get a FREE Take Home Naloxone kit from an approved site (eg. local hospital or pharmacy). This training will tell you how to tell when somebody is overdosing, and how to respond with your Take Home Naloxone kit.

Never Use Alone – If you are going to use by yourself, call us! You will be asked for your first name, location, and the number you are calling from. An operator will stay on the line with you while you use. If you stop responding after using, the operator will notify local emergency services of an unresponsive person at your location.

Lifeguard App – The Lifeguard App enables users to interrupt an accidental overdose anonymously and efficiently by sending a prioritized alert to the proper paramedic services. The app also connects users with relevant support services, such as a Crisis Line and Suicide Prevention Line.

The Brave App – Virtual overdose prevention in your pocket, so you don’t have to use alone. Person to person connection. No judgement, just Love.

Toward The Heart – Toward the Heart is part of the BC Centre for Disease Control. We believe every person has the right to the best health possible and should be treated with dignity and respect.

The POUNDS Project – The POUNDS Project is a local non-profit group that was created in response to the overdose crisis with the purpose of filling gaps in service in Prince George. Our current services include an overdose prevention site, harm reduction education and supply distribution, peer support and advocacy, and basic nursing services.

Get Your Drugs Tested – We use FTIR spectrometers and test strips to analyze any drug or substance for FREE, in person (Vancouver) and by mail. We’re here to help people make informed decisions about the drugs and substances they use. We now maintain the world’s largest database of drug analysis results.

HaRT – HaRT delivers harm reduction services aligned with provincial best practice guidelines for harm reduction and drug-checking with the support of community partners including the BC Centre on Substance Use and Interior Health. We provide FREE drug checking 3 days/week in our local communities: Interior Health Mental Health and Substance use sites in Vernon and Penticton, Living Positive Resource Centre in Kelowna, Cammy LaFleur street outreach in Vernon, and South Okanagan Women in Need Society in Penticton.

Living Positive Resource Centre – Living Positive believes that harm reduction promotes and supports the health and well-being of both individuals and communities. We believe that all humans have the right to comprehensive, non-judgmental services based on individual need. Through education and prevention efforts, we work to reduce the risk of harms to individuals and the community. Having started as an HIV/AIDS service organization in 1992, we have since expanded our mandate to serve individuals in the Central Okanagan living with and/or at risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STBBIs experiencing concerns relating to housing, income, nutrition, health care, addictions and mental health.

Skills Ready/Construction Foundation of BC – Skills Ready provides tools for young people to prove they are work ready, while enabling them to build a real world understanding of the advantages of starting out in the skilled trades and technologies can do for their future. Volunteer tradespeople who want to present in schools or communities welcome: Get in touch!

What’s a Trade? Workshop Grant (SkilledTradesBC) – SkilledTradesBC supports community groups and organizations, teachers and tradespeople to deliver short, informative, hands-on focused workshop and/or presentations through the What’s a Trade? Workshop grant. These grants offer access to ready-to-use trades kits and additional information and resources for groups to engage in learning about skilled trades careers. Individual tradespeople interested in applying for a grant can partner with an organization such as BCCWITT, BC Trades Equity Society, Build Together BC, a union, a construction association, or another community organization.

Tradeswomen Building Bridges – Our Vision: We elevate tradeswomen: women as equal and construction trades as honorable work. Our Mission: Build the North American representation in the global network of tradeswomen advocating for themselves.