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 this July, 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.
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 have access to SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship advisers to support them in the transition to skilled trades certification, including navigating the registration process, accessing supports or preparing to take the exam.
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. Workers will benefit from standardized training, nationally recognized Red Seal credentials, better wages, greater career mobility and clearer pathways to careers in the skilled trades.
The introduction of skilled trades certification for operators is part of a broader provincial strategy to strengthen crane safety, standards and accountability throughout British Columbia. 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 also responds 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 complements recent actions to strengthen crane oversight in B.C., including WorkSafeBC’s work with industry partners to improve licensing, permitting and safety practices for crane operations.
