jmcomic������������

VICTORIA – The Province of B.C. has announced it is expanding skilled trades certification to tower and mobile crane operators to ensure “consistent training and certification standards, improve crane safety and strengthen B.C.’s skilled trades workforce.”

Beginning immediately, people working as tower or mobile crane operators will have one year to register as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or take the skilled trades certification exam and become a journeyperson before the new requirements take effect on July 5, 2027, explains a release.

During the transition period, experienced workers can continue working while pursuing skilled trades certification. Provincial and federal supports will be available to help cover certain training costs, including tuition, travel and child care. Workers will also have access to SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship advisers to support them.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone for crane operators and for all British Columbians who depend on safe, skilled work on our jobsites,” said Bryan Railton, business manager, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115, in a statement. “Restoring skilled trades certification reinforces the high standards of training, professionalism and safety that our industry demands. I thank the Province of British Columbia and SkilledTradesBC for working with industry and labour to strengthen public safety and recognize the vital role of certified tradespeople in building our province.”

Tower and mobile crane operators become the latest trades to require skilled trades certification, joining seven designated electrical and mechanical trades. Skilled trades certification formally recognizes the specialized skills required to operate cranes and supports consistent training standards throughout the industry, the release adds.

The crane industry nominated these two trades for skilled trades certification as part of an application process SkilledTradesBC established in 2023 to determine trades that will benefit from additional certification.

The new requirement is in response to recommendations from the province’s Crane Safety Table, convened by the Minister of Labour with industry, labour and technical experts to co-ordinate and accelerate safety improvements. It also complements recent actions to strengthen crane oversight in B.C., including WorkSafeBC’s work with industry partners to improve licensing, permitting and safety practices.