Mandatory Certification Is Coming

Let's start 2023 with some important news that will affect all of us, within this trade, here in BC.

Yes, mandatory certification for all our skilled trades workers will be phased in beginning in 2024.

See the BC government news release published on December 1st. B.C. making changes to support good trades jobs, tackle labour shortages

This means we have one year to prepare and begin to make adjustments.

I would strongly suggest you pass this information on to all your coworkers, employees, and friends within this industry who, no doubt, will have an interest.

Yes, there will be many questions.

What are you going to do about it?

Did you know that;

• In BC, anybody with tools can call themselves a Mechanic or even a Technician.
• Some tire manufacturers have reduced tread widths to save money but compromise safety.
• "Meets O.E.M. specs" has everything about 'fit' and nothing to do about quality.
• You are held legally responsible if a part fails and causes an accident and/or injuries.
• We used to be on guard for cheap, counterfeit parts trying to infiltrate our markets, and now they are mainstream? 

And don't get me started about 'parts pricing' or training or...

The Automotive Aftermarket is a dominant industry, here in Canada. But we are all so disconnected.

This is a 32-billion-dollar industry made up of thousands of regional and international manufacturers, distributing their products through over 4600 parts stores to over 26,300 repair centers and employing over 492,000 people, across this country. It is that part of the automotive industry focused on the manufacturing, re-manufacturing, and distribution of all replacement parts, accessories, chemicals, tools, equipment, and services outside of the new vehicle manufacturer environment.

Mandatory Certification: BC

My Personal Views by;

Bob Paff

Before I start, I just wish to say that my opinions below are based upon my knowledge of the automotive service industry and do not reflect the needs of our other trades.

Having trades certification non-compulsory, here in B.C. has been an issue since 2003. It has opened the doors to uncertified workers in our trades as well as low interest in acquiring certification. There is no question about that.