Are you considering a career in construction?
With more construction projects on the horizon in western Canada, there is no better time to begin an apprenticeship in one of the many construction trades. Pursuing a career in construction provides long-term job stability, financial security, and a rewarding career path. And for those with entrepreneurial ambitions, it can lead to owning a successful business of your own!
ICBA can help you in B.C. Through our apprenticeship support program, we act as a liaison between you, the employer, and SkilledTradesBC. ICBA manages the apprenticeship process by facilitating the paperwork, recording progress with SkilledTradesBC, and overseeing technical training. This allows you to focus on your training! We even provide assistance with bursaries, apprenticeship grants and other programs.
Don’t have a job yet, but want to become an apprentice? We can help find you a spot with one of our thousands of member companies!
ICBA is the single largest sponsor of construction apprentices in British Columbia, and has been for well over a decade.
This isn’t all classroom work. Apprenticeships are 80 percent hands-on paid training and 20 percent classroom education – a good mix. Let ICBA help you start your trades career!
***Note to Alberta companies and apprentices: we are pursuing the ability to sponsor apprentices in Alberta. Stay tuned for details!***
I can’t thank ICBA enough for all your help with getting through the program.
Thank you so much for the help you’ve given me over the past few months as I’ve been working toward my exam!
Thank you all for being so on top of everything! You are amazing.
The Apprenticeship Program
Sponsorships
When you register apprentices with ICBA, we take care of the administrative burden for you.
- Process apprentice application forms
- Process work-based training hours
- Keep accurate transcripts
- Process recommendation for certification forms
- Complete SkilledTradesBC/CRA tax credit reports
- Apprenticeship bursaries
Bursaries
If your company utilizes the Construction Industry’s Benefit Plan (CIBP), your apprentices qualify for bursaries. When they go to school, reach certain milestones, and return back to your company, we will send you a cheques to give to your apprentice. Over the span of their trades training, that adds up to $1,500 per apprentice.
Employment Network
We connect job seekers like you with our member companies in B.C. and Alberta who are looking to hire. With more than 4,000 members, we can put your resume in front of those who make hiring decisions throughout the province. Looking for work in the construction industry? Visit our Employment Network and upload your resume.
How do I become a registered apprentice?
- Email us at apprenticeship@icba.ca so we can help!
- Have your employer complete an apprentice/sponsor registration form.
- Send the form to ICBA at apprenticeship@icba.ca.
- ICBA will process the form and submit it to SkilledTradesBC.
- SkilledTradesBC will register you as an apprentice and issue you a SkilledTradesBC I.D. number.
- You will receive a personalized apprentice registration card in the mail.
It all starts with a simple email asking us for information! apprenticeship@icba.ca
Youth/School Districts
The Youth Work/Train in Trades programs provide training for Grade 11 and 12 students interested in a career in construction related trades. Depending on the program, students receive training every second day, while attending their own secondary school for core academic subjects. This program allows students to receive technical training typically done at a post-secondary institution while working toward their high school graduation.
ICBA continues to support these students by sponsoring them through their time in their trade program. We ensure that students acquire training that leads to certification as a journeyperson. By sponsoring these students, we ensure that they are eligible for all the benefits that come with this program – including the $1000 Youth Work in Trades award.
ICBA continues to be present at any secondary school career or information night to allow the parents and the students to ask us any questions they may have pertaining to the youth in trades program.
Got questions for us? Please contact our Apprenticeship Program at apprenticeship@icba.ca or 604-298-7795.
Our industry partners:
I have been a recipient of the ICBA bursary throughout my apprenticeship and I just want to share my thanks. I have now completed my electrical apprenticeship with Kimco Controls in Kelowna and am grateful for the financial support the ICBA has provided me with. Thank you very much! Incentives like these have made a huge difference in me progressing through my career and I’m sure many others feel the same.
— Nathan Huygens
Who is Building BC’s Construction Industry?
Trade Apprentice Sponsors: Open Shop v. Unions
In B.C. today, non-union construction companies – like the ones who make up ICBA – sponsor four times as many apprentices as unions. Open shop accounts for 81.5 per cent of British Columbians currently pursuing construction trades certification. Apprenticeship training is fundamentally important to the long-term health of our industry and to our provincial economy. And ICBA members and other open shop contractors are the ones taking on the largest share of this crucial responsibility.
