Success stories
All stories tagged as "all"
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As part of Asian Heritage Month, we’re highlighting and celebrating the diverse backgrounds of the tradespeople that make up British Columbia’s labour force. -
ApprenticeMeet Kavitha Narayan Cariappa, a joinery apprentice in her first year and currently working at the Original Shutter Shop as a Wood Finisher/Painter. -
On the occasion of International Women's Day 2022, ITA CEO Shelley Gray shares how we can #BreakTheBias in skilled trades and in wider society. -
With women representing only 6% in under-represented trades, you can only imagine how much lower this number drops when it comes to women in leadership positions. -
On International Day of the Girl, we celebrate empowering girls to pursue their passions and learn new skills toward a future they choose. -
ApprenticeThe community-based training model brings skilled trades training to Indigenous communities to remove barriers for Indigenous people in the skilled trades. -
ApprenticeAfter years of self-doubt, David is now living his dream of working in a kitchen as a Professional Cook Apprentice. -
Nevada Gillis is an electrical journeyperson with 15 years of experience in the industry. He currently works as a Lead Electrical Hand at a large industrial petrochemical complex. -
ApprenticeMeet Nikki Frank, a driven, young woman currently working as a Carpenter Apprentice in Lillooet, B.C. -
During this difficult time, all of us at the Industry Training Authority have the affected families in our thoughts and hearts as we stand in solidarity with the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc. -
EmployersOriginally established in 1986 as Neutron Electric, today Neutron Factory Works (NFW) provides specialized industrial trades & technical services to factories throughout B.C. and Alberta. -
ApprenticeThis month, we are celebrating Asian Heritage Month in Canada! Nasrin Ali is an Indo-Fijian Canadian Electrical Apprentice who hopes for increased representation in the trades. -
Ela Alejandrino moved to Canada over 10 years ago from the Philippines in search of a better future for her family. -
Training providersIn partnership between VCC, PICS and ITA, this sampler program was created to encourage participation from underrepresented groups including new immigrants and Indigenous people. -
ITA stands in solidarity with our Asian colleagues, partners, and members of the trades community and endorse the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism. -
I would love to run a successful company in the future and relay the morals and high-tier service that I was taught as a young apprentice. -
ApprenticeI am proud of the confidence and love that I have gained for myself since the beginning of my carpentry adventure. -
ApprenticeMeet Colleen, a level 3 Machinist apprentice who loves the growth opportunities that come with a skilled trades career. -
ApprenticeMeet Aika Rasmussen, an Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) apprentice who loves that her job presents a different set of challenges to work through every day. -
ApprenticeFor the recent graduates of the Gitxaała/Bird Introduction to Carpentry Program, the possibilities are endless. -
Apprentice“I am proud of myself for making this career choice at an early age,” he explained. “But it helped that both my teachers and colleagues were so passionate – their enthusiasm really rubbed off on me.” -
Apprentice“You are never too old to try something new and you can do anything if you work hard enough,” -
Red Seal service technician Carla Grimann speaks to us on the rise of her career in this last part of our International Women's Day 2021 series. -
In the second part of our International Women's Day series, we speak to Brandy Kawulka, professional ballet dancer turned Red Seal cabinet maker and business owner. -
In the first part of our International Women's Day 2021 series, we speak to Andrea Durdle on her journey from a Red Seal Plumber to a Pipe Trades instructor. -
“Trades workplace culture has a lot of opportunities for improvement and I’m glad to do my part in educating people about it. Thereare so many more allies for the LGBTQ+ community now.” -
Our Pride in Trades series chats with Eoin and learn what their experience as a trans tradesperson has been like. -
Pride is important because we always need to remember the past and what we’re out there for; to fight against hatred and homophobia. It’s important to spread love, education and acceptance. -
This week, Vancouver celebrates its Pride Week. In honour of this important annual event, ITA is sharing a series of features on trades professionals who represent the LGBTQ+ community. -
Many female students are getting a head start on their skilled trades career thanks to the efforts of the Greater Victoria School District. -
Nelly Duku came to Canada from South Sudan with her family and hopes to open her own hairstyling business one day. -
Lyazzat Alkan came to Canada from Turkey, after living there for 25 years. She aspires to be a hairdresser in the film industry but has learned some culinary skills along the way. -
Mansher Sidhu came from India with her family when she was 12. Now at 18 and with an interest in baking, she’s considering her future career path. -
A partnership among ITA, Progressive Intercultural Community Services, and Vancouver Community College gives new Canadians a start in the skilled trades as a viable, sustainable, and rewarding career. -
Apprentice“Within half an hour, six kits had already been picked up,” says Clint. “They were all gone by the end of the day.” -
Tradespeople at a furniture and architectural design company show how diverse the trades can be. -
A Red Seal electrician faces the challenge of parenting during a pandemic. -
Finding his passion for the skilled trades helped Jordan Ryan leave his troubled past behind him and improved his mental health. -
April 28 is the Day of Mourning and World Day for Safety and Health at Work. -
Carpentry apprentices from Gitxsan villages completed their training despite COVID-19 restrictions, thanks to their training institute and employer sponsor. -
Volunteers across the Gulf Islands have been creating face shields for front line workers. -
How ToWe've put together a list of 5 fun and educational trades related activities you can do at home with your kids. -
Trades training is hands-on by nature, but post-secondary institutions have created “hands-off” education options to keep apprentices on their path while ensuring the health and safety of apprentices -
Dakota Power will soon be among only a handful of female steamfitters in B.C., and she believes women in trades need to be pioneers for future generations. -
High school and elementary students came together to build friendship benches, showing how exciting the trades can be. -
Accurate Air encourages employers to help women get their foot in the door, so they don't miss out on a passionate workforce. -
She feels lucky to have worked with a lot of great, open-minded carpenters who see her just as an apprentice, not a gender, and who want to teach her the trade. -
As the company actively promotes women in trades, Lacey Developments is building a foundation of inclusion for its construction business. -
As a woman in a trades profession, she’s seen lots of positive change in eight years – such as being taken seriously by other trades and their foremen, far more support on site – but there’s much more -
Bullying has harmful psychological impacts and is still a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. -
Evan Dyck loves a challenge, but when he faced some challenges in becoming a Red Seal electrician, he turned to ITA for help and support. -
Are you new to Canada? Do you have great experience and are looking to further or change your career? ITA is here to help! -
David Senyard is one of our new advisors and says without skilled tradespeople, we wouldn't have all the cool things we take for granted. -
Julie Sawatsky is one of our new advisors and tells apprentices to be their own advocate, learn all they can in school and on the job, and find a mentor. -
Kyle Preston says a trade is not the endgame - it’s a stepping stone to many other opportunities. Keep your eyes open, speak to people in the trades, and gain work experience. -
Helen Poss says tradespeople use their brains, hearts, and muscles to build, fix and make everything in our lives better. -
Doug Podetz suggests taking advantage of the learning opportunities. Apprenticeship is all about earning a wage while you learn. -
Sebastien Paquet says if you're interested in trades, go for it and put your heart into it. You’ll see it’s a very rewarding career with lots of opportunities. -
Isabel McLean is one of our new Apprenticeship Advisors. She says pick a trade that you enjoy and want to become better in. -
Marlin Ratch suggests potential apprentices talk to the tradespeople they want to be. The first step in any journey is to figure out where you might like to end up. -
Donna Henderson says the trades are important careers because every moment of our lives is touched by a tradesperson. -
Dal Dhatt encourages people to try a trade and learn a new skill because you may be good at it and it’s a rewarding career. -
Kyle Kozak, one of our new Apprenticeship Advisors, says if you’ve always wanted to work with your hands and be involved in building something that's used every day, now is the chance. -
Jordan Ryan appreciates the financial security from the trades and is encouraging other students to explore a trades career. -
Kristin Emel is one of our newest apprenticeship advisors and is looking forward to making a positive impact in isolated communities across the Central Interior. -
Dave Coleman is one of our new apprenticeship advisors, and he’s excited to work with apprentices and employers and help people achieve their potential. -
November 2019 is the first Apprenticeship Recognition Month in British Columbia; previously, it was celebrated as Apprenticeship Week. -
Kyle Preston offers up some advice to the competitors for the Culinary Apprentice of the Year Award. -
Developing new culinary techniques and discovering new ingredients are a family affair for Blake Burns, who's competing for Culinary Apprentice of the Year Award. -
Joshua Tocher is an artist at heart, and his creativity will shine through during the Culinary Apprentice of the Year competition. -
For the fifth year in a row, ITA is certified as a Great Place to Work® -
Nathan Sundeen is putting in the work for a great performance on competition day for the Culinary Apprentice of the Year Award. -
Emily Poisson is developing a menu for the Culinary Apprentice of the Year competition that incorporates her own flavours. -
Aaron Ivanoff began cooking as a child with his parents, and now he's competing for the Culinary Apprentice of the Year Award. -
Katie Macbeth hopes to get new ideas and push herself out of her comfort zone during the Culinary Apprentice of the Year competition. -
Keenan Martens looks forward to showcasing his techniques during the Culinary Apprentice of the Year competition. -
Aaron Hoffman hopes to find the most effective way to develop flavours during the Culinary Apprentice of the Year Competition. -
Siobhan Detkavich has come a long way from being a dishwasher in high school to being a competitor for the Culinary Apprentice of the Year Award. -
“I want to learn how far I can push myself, whether it be speed, consistency of product being put out, or trying out different techniques and methods of cooking.” -
Raul is one of the participants from across B.C. who will be putting their skills to the test during the Culinary Apprentice of the Year competition on November 2. -
Arnav Vijh's apprenticeship pathway was more challenging than most: he has profound hearing loss. -
Gender Equality Week is September 23 to 27, and it’s a great opportunity for people from coast to coast to celebrate the progress in advancing gender equality in Canada. -
Giving back to the trade he’s been working in for more than 40 years is important to John Dudley, owner of Apple Auto Glass in Nanaimo. -
Clarissa Roque is only 19-years-old, but her talent in pastry arts is outstanding, and she’ll soon be in Kazan, Russia to compete at the WorldSkills Competition. -
“Lindy has been involved with our women in trades training program since the very beginning,” said Nancy. “She’s been a great resource to the whole team.” -
Girls ages 12 to 15 are nailing down some new skills and paying it forward. -
The newly developed framework will identify how innovation and technology could improve the effectiveness of training programs. -
A new addition to CampOC this summer is teaching girls the tools of the trade. -
Thank you, Andrew, for all your work at ITA and in supporting trades training! We’ll miss you. -
“This camp is a great opportunity for young girls to experience what the skilled trades are all about,” says Jim Hamilton, President of Okanagan College. -
Apprentice“I have always enjoyed building and doing hands-on things. Woodworking has been in my family, so I thought the carpentry program would be the perfect opportunity for me.” -
Industry Training Authority (ITA) is joining Canadians to celebrate First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and their diverse cultures and contributions. -
ApprenticeIt’s the 10th anniversary of Women in Trades Training (WITT) programs in B.C -
Training providersA pilot program at Surrey School District is giving students with learning challenges a chance to explore a career in culinary and construction trades. -
Training providersAfter completing his Adult Dogwood, Pat is determined to take CNC’s Automotive Service Technician program with the goal of specializing in tires and brakes. -
Training providersThe program was developed to help underemployed and unemployed individuals with brain injuries explore trades occupations. -
Training providersI have confidence in my abilities helping me see past barriers that I had placed on myself.” -
Training providers“It has given me more confidence in class because I know I’m not the only one ‘facing the same barriers.’” -
Training providersLaura’s been able to see new potential for her future and learned that she can accomplish more than she gave herself credit for. -
ApprenticeBrook Jameus is a Youth Apprentice who is passionate about completing her apprenticeship and building a successful career as a Red Seal Hairstylist. -
ApprenticeMeet Sarah, a Level C Welder from Nanaimo, BC. Sarah was first introduced to the trades by her grade eight shop teacher. -
ApprenticeMeet Chelsea French, a Commercial Transport Mechanic from Vancouver, BC. Chelsea takes pride in knowing that the work she does plays a key role in keeping drivers safe on the road. -
ApprenticeSweg Minhas is a Level 1 Heavy Duty Mechanic from Chilliwack, B.C. Growing up around big machinery, Sweg has always been interested in how things work. -
ApprenticeNicole Wiet is from Nanaimo, B.C. She takes after both her father and grandfather as a third-generation Industrial Mechanic. -
ApprenticeKelley Jeong is a level 1 Apprentice Carpenter originally from South Korea. -
ApprenticeRon Brunetti is a Red Seal Welder from Revelstoke, BC. In his spare time, Ron loves to go hunting and fishing. -
ApprenticeKenton is a fourth year Carpenter from Courtenay, BC. He developed an interest in trades growing up when he helped his dad out with renovations around the house. -
ApprenticeMicole is a first year Welder and Heavy Duty Mechanic from Williams Lake, BC, and a proud member of the Yunesit’in Government (Stone Band) reserve. -
ApprenticeChelsea Barron is a member of the Tsilhqot'in (Chilcotin) Nation and is registered with the Anaham band (Tl'etinqox) which is part of the Tsilhqot'in Nation. -
ApprenticeYou become like family, so you don't dread coming to work. You come and you're like, "I wonder what we are going to accomplish today?" -
Training providersDiversity for us, is the ability to come into our school and feel safe. To understand that everyone is given an equal opportunity when it comes to training and everyone will be treated similarly. -
EmployersWe are constructing buildings that are not only suitable for our wet climate but also aligned with the cultural needs of the Nuxalk Nation: open-concept houses that enable people to gather in a social -
EmployersWe are looking to hire people who match with our key values and we always want to know if they are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship. -
EmployersWe did not get here without somebody else training us. It's just necessary in our beliefs to continue our art form and industry. -
ApprenticeAs a business owner, journeyman Plumber, class B Gasfitter, and certified steep slope Roofer, Mary-Anne is living proof that hard work pays off. -
ApprenticeIt is a common ambition to want to transform one’s hobby into a fully-fledged career. Despite this, few people have succeeded in acquiring this goal quite like Elly Hart. -
ApprenticeAs a Red Seal Industrial Electrician and a FSR with many years of work experience, few things make Allen feel as happy as the enjoyment that he gets out of sharing his knowledge with others. -
ApprenticeMaia Koch is a prime example of the pride and devotion that tradespeople have in their careers. -
ApprenticeMoving from Campbell River to Fort St. John was a big step into the unknown for Corissa. -
EmployersWe find that by offering really valid training opportunities, we are getting better trained and skilled staff. In turn, our menu and quality of food is increasing all the time. -
EmployersHaving a good apprentice with me has really changed my company. For me as an employer, it is great as we can be more competitive in the industry. -
EmployersWe hire apprentices to help young people get a good start in their careers and establish a great workforce in our company. A lot of our management staff were previously apprentices here. -
EmployersWe hire apprentices because we think that is the future of our organization. -
EmployersTrev Deeley motorcycles gave me the opportunity to come to work and be excited everyday to learn something new. Now I get to pay it back to all of the apprentices we have hired as a mentor. -
EmployersInlailawatash (pronounced In-lay-le-wa-tosh) is a First Nations business that was established in 2004 as an independent company responsible for managing the forestry needs of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation -
EmployersWe believe that trades training is very important because it formalizes the relationship between an employee and their trade. -
EmployersThe three year Culinary Apprenticeship Program was established by Robert LeCrom, now a retired Executive Chef from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, when he realized that there was a growing shortage of R -
EmployersThere are many benefits to having an apprentice. One of them is the ability to train your own mechanic. -
Training providersYou have to be realistic and committed to work hard and learn. Business is competitive and you will compete for employment and advancement. -
EmployersWe've found that the best training we can give and the best worker we can get is through the apprenticeships offered by ITA. -
EmployersOne of our apprentices was hired on as a Machinist apprentice and was interested in the Millwright trade as well. -
EmployersAshley is a 2nd year Heavy Duty Equipment Technician apprentice. When a posting came up for an apprenticeship she applied and was the successful candidate. -
EmployersI think it's important to have apprentices in the business, they are the future, they are going to help your growth. -
ApprenticeI've always been working with my hands trying to build or fix things. So when I got into high school I signed up for as many shop classes as possible. -
EmployersMore often than not, the apprentices are coming to Seaspan and actually teaching us about the work and our equipment. -
ApprenticeDon't be afraid, take up the challenge, there is success at the end. - Merv Kube, Jordan's mentor. -
ApprenticeThis is cool. This is something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. -
EmployersWe give our apprentices the chance to work on a variety of work, rather than focusing on one area. People come here because they see the opportunity for them to grow in their trade. -
EmployersMake sure you find someone who is career minded and in it for the long haul. Teach train and mentor them until them become more skilled than you! -
EmployersWe have a sponsorship program where we indenture apprentices in Carpentry, Plumbing, and Electrical and pay for their tuition and their registration fee. -
EmployersThey bring fresh ideas that help to evolve my business and are full of energy with an attitude to learn. -
EmployersIt is always difficult to find the right skilled people for our business. We needed to start training employees in house and the best way to do that was through an apprenticeship. -
EmployersWithout them we cannot run our business. As good as our team is on the counters, sales, management etc, none of it can happen without the techs in the shop. -
EmployersThere are many reasons apprentices help my business. They are extremely motivated to come to work every day and learn new things; they have an end goal in sight, the Red Seal. -
EmployersApprentices make for great employees as they are eager to learn and have a lot of pride in their work. They are flexible and open to learn new things. -
EmployersI like to see people come into our workplace and learn and grow as an employee. There is a lot of pride in providing career opportunities to apprentices.
Do you know an apprentice or employer champion?
The Champions of Apprenticeship are recognized for their outstanding achievements in BC apprenticeship system. These Champions are celebrated for their hard work in creating certified tradesworkers, supporting their industry and promoting apprenticeship. Do you know an outstanding employer sponsor or apprentice? Send us an email and nominate them to become a Champion of Apprenticeship!