Q: What is the Industry Training Authority (ITA)?

A: The ITA is the governance, standards-setting and credentialing body for BC’s industry training system. It is a provincial crown agency established in 2004.

Q: What is an Industry Training Organization (ITO)?

A: An ITO is an independent, non-profit association established by the ITA to develop and maintain program standards for assigned trades.

Q: How do I register an apprentice with my company?

A: You and the apprentice would complete the Apprentice and Sponsor Registration form and submit it to ITA. For detailed instructions on completing the Apprentice and Sponsor registration or to view sample forms please see the Apprenticeship registration page for your specific trade that you are registering your apprentice in.

Q: Who can train my apprentice?

A: A certified journeyperson in the same trade as your apprentice can train and supervise your apprentice’s work based training.

Q: Can my apprentice take technical training if they are not registered as an apprentice?

A: If you apprentice is not registered as an apprentice they cannot take apprenticeship technical training, although they can take Foundation Programs if they are available for their trade.

Q: How does my apprentice register for technical training?

A: Once your apprentice is registered as an apprentice they contact an approved technical training provider to register for classes. You can view a listing of current training providers for their trade by looking under the quick links section of the transCDA website.

Q: How do I report hours for my apprentice?

A: Periodically (about every six months) you must submit a work based training report to ITA so your apprentice’s hours can be recorded on their apprenticeship file. See the forms quick link for all ITA forms.

Q: What happens if my apprentice leaves employment with our company?

A: Ensure that you send in all remaining hours (not previously reported) that your apprentice worked in that trade for your company by completing the work based training report. See the forms quick link for all ITA forms.

Q: How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?

A: Generally an apprenticeship takes 4 years to complete. For more information on a specific trade, please see the Apprenticeship overview page for the specific trade you are inquiring about.

Q: What is an ITA Individual ID?

A: An ITA Individual ID is a unique number given to you once you register with ITA. This number is used to login to ITA Direct Access and given to ITA Customer Service when you call with inquiries about your apprenticeship.

Q: I’ve been working in the industry a long time, can I challenge the trade qualification exam?

A: Depending on the hours and the tasks a challenger has completed in that trade they may be able to challenge the Certificate of Qualification or Interprovincial examination. They will generally need 1.5 times the work based training hours requirement that is completed in an apprenticeship for that trade. For more information on challenging a specific trade, go to programs to find the trade and choose the challenger pathway.

Q: What is Red Seal?

A: The Red Seal Program provides greater mobility across Canada for skilled workers. Through the Program, you are able to achieve a Red Seal endorsement on your provincial/territorial certificates by successfully completing an Interprovincial Red Seal examination. By holding a Red Seal endorsement it ensures that your certification is accepted throughout Canada without further examination.

Q: What are the BC Training Tax Credits?

A: The Training Tax Credit program came into effect January 1, 2007 and provides tax credits for employers and apprentices who are engaged in eligible apprenticeship programs administered through the Industry Training Authority. For more information please contact Service BC.