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Glossary

A

  • Accelerated Credit Enrollment in Trades Training (ACE-IT, ACE IT)

    Allows high school students to take the theory-training portion of an apprenticeship while still in high school. Students receive high school credits and credit towards completion of an apprenticeship program.

  • Achievement

    The attainment of a specified standard of performance.

  • Apprentice

    Individuals registered in an apprenticeship industry-training program. An apprentice works with a registered employer/sponsor to complete on-the-job and in-school training and exams. In BC, an apprentice is registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).

  • Apprentice On-The-Job Logbook (Record Book)

    A document issued to registered apprentices. Skills, courses completed and time worked at a trade or occupation are recorded in a logbook. The logbook becomes the apprentice's achievement record.

  • Apprenticeship Accreditation

    A process by which a training establishment / service which meets predetermined standards is granted public recognition by an agency or association.

  • Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

    Apprenticeship Incentive Grant was created by the Government of Canada in 2006 to help apprentices registered in Red Seal trades pay for their training. Apprentices can apply for the grant after finishing level 1 and level 2 of a Red Seal trade.

  • Apprenticeship Program Outline

    Topics and performance objectives for each period of technical training for an apprenticeship program.

  • Apprenticeship Registration

    An individual is required to register with the ITA to meet all the requirements for apprenticeship, including signing an apprenticeship contract, agreement or memorandum of understanding with an employer.

  • Apprenticeship Technical Training

    A period of training/instruction intended to supplement on-the-job training is provided to apprentices in a classroom setting away from the job site. The focus is on teaching the theory component of the trade or occupation. Shop/lab training is included where required.

  • Assessment

    The process of gathering and judging evidence in order to decide whether a standard or objective has been achieved.

  • Assessment Guidelines

    An endorsed component of a training package that underpins assessment and sets out the industry approach to valid, reliable, flexible and fair assessment. Assessment guidelines include information concerning: assessment system overview, assessor requirements, designing assessment resources, conducting assessment and sources of information on assessment.

  • Assessment Materials

    Optional component of training packages that complement endorsed industry assessment guidelines and could take the form of assessment exemplars or specific assessment tasks and instructions.

  • Assessment Tool

    A method for the gathering of evidence for assessment, such as a knowledge test or a checklist of practical performance.

  • Assessor

    An assessor is a qualified person who evaluates the assessment evidence presented by learners.

C

  • Competency (Competencies)

    The ability to perform tasks and duties to the standard expected in employment.

  • Competency standard

    An industry-determined specification of performance that sets out the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to operate effectively in employment. Competency standards are made up of units of competency, which are themselves made up of elements of competency, together with performance criteria, a range of variables, and an evidence guide.

  • Competency-based assessment

    The gathering and judging of evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard of competence.

  • Competency-based Training

    Training based on the requirements needed to operate effectively in industry and achieve competency standards. Competency-based training focuses on the skills and knowledge individuals have rather than on how they attained the skills and knowledge.

E

  • Element of Competency

    Any of the basic building blocks of a unit of competency that describe the key activities or elements of the work covered by the unit of study.

F

  • Foundation Program

    Foundation programs are pre-apprenticeship programs conducted in a classroom or shop setting that provide a link to one or more apprenticeship program. They consist of level 1 in-school training in addition to practical and essential skills related to an apprentice program.

I

  • Industry

    Employers and organizations within the various industry sectors and sub-sectors (e.g. transportation, mining, forestry, construction) of the British Columbia economy.

  • Industry Training Authority (ITA)

    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.

  • Industry Training Organization (ITO)

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

J

  • Journeyperson

    A person who holds a provincial or inter-provincial certification in their trade. The journeyperson is responsible for mentoring and training the apprentice in the workplace. Once an apprentice is certified, they become a journeyperson.

L

  • Learner (Incumbent)

    Any person receiving education and learning.

P

  • Performance Criteria

    The part of a competency standard, specifying the required level of performance in terms of a set of outcomes that need to be achieved in order to be deemed competent.

  • Performance Indicator

    A criterion or measure for monitoring or evaluating the efficiency or effectiveness of a system or service, that may be used to demonstrate accountability and to identify areas for improvement.

  • Portable Skill

    A skill or competency that can be transferred from one work context to another.

S

  • Secondary School Apprenticeships (SSA)

    SSA is a high school program that allows you to register and start hands-on, on-the-job apprentice training while still at school to earn high school credits and earn while you learn.

  • Sponsor

    A person or organization registered with an apprenticeship agency/ body willing and able to ensure the apprentice receives work-based training that includes the full scope of the trade. The sponsor reports progress and recommends certification of an apprentice who has met the standards and completion requirements for the apprenticeship program. A sponsor must be a certified tradesperson or a legal entity.

  • Standard

    A level or measure of achievement; a statement of performance or outcome criteria.

T

  • Training Provider

    Designated training providers deliver technical training for trades. In BC training providers must be designated by the ITA to deliver relevant levels of technical training.

U

  • Unit Descriptor

    The unit descriptor is an expansion on the information in the unit title. It provides a clear and accurate description on the purpose and intent of the unit. Any reciprocal recognition relationships with other units of competency can also be included.

  • Unit Title

    The unit title is a broad description of the unit, reflective of the content and workplace outcome it represents.

Y

  • Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training (YES 2 IT)

    A youth program aimed at students in Grades 6 to 9. Students get hands-on experience and exposure to employers and tradespersons in their communities.