Skilled Trades Staff
Careers in Skilled Trades
School maintenance and repairs are done by both skilled and unskilled trades. Carpenter, plumber, electrician, gas fitter, HVAC, horticulturist, painter, mechanic and other trades assist districts from minor repairs to major renovations of school district facilities. Other unskilled trades include custodians, grounds people, and general labourers.
Example job titles of skilled trades:
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Gas Fitter
- Electrician
- HVAC Technician
- Millwright
- Heavy Duty Mechanic
- Horticulturalist
- Custodian / Building Service Worker
Example job titles of unskilled trades:
- Grounds People
- General Labourers
Qualifications and Certification Details
Trades qualifications are required for all TQ Trades positions. Requirements for other positions may require some specialized training. For information about starting an apprenticeship or applying for a ticket/certificate, visit the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
Salary
Skilled trades persons in BC school districts are members of their local support staff union. The terms of employment, including hours of work, will vary depending on the district, the collective agreement, and the type of position held by the employee.
POSITION TITLE | HOURLY WAGE RANGE | AVERAGE HOURLY WAGE |
---|---|---|
Carpenter | $21.43 – $35.65 | $29.85 |
Electrician | $22.42 - $34.26 | $30.22 |
Foreman | $25.03 - $35.34 | $31.31 |
HVAC Techncian | $23.41 - $36.66 | $30.04 |
Painter | $20.57 - $34.26 | $29.37 |
Plumber | $26.65 - $34.26 | $30.26 |
Welder | $23.85 - $34.26 | $29.81 |
These salary estimates are based on data from July 1, 2017. Salaries and hourly rates vary from district to district.
Training and Educational Programs
The following is a list of trades training programs in British Columbia. A comprehensive list of trades training programs and services may also be found on the Trades Training BC website.
CENTRAL BC
Carpentry
Thompson Rivers University | Carpenter Apprentice
Electrical
College of New Caledonia | Electrician
College of the Rockies | Electrician
Thompson Rivers University | Electrician
Gas Fitting
Thompson Rivers University | Gas Fitter
Horticulture
Thompson Rivers University | Horticulture
Plumbing
College of New Caledonia | Plumbing
Thompson Rivers University | Plumbing
FRASER VALLEY
Carpentry
University of the Fraser Valley | Carpentry
Electrical
University of the Fraser Valley | Electrical
Horticulture
University of the Fraser Valley | Horticulture
KOOTENAY
METRO
Carpentry
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Carpentry Apprenticeship
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Carpentry Building Construction
Electrical
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Electrical Apprenticeship
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Electrician Apprenticeship
Gas Fitting
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Gas Fitting
HVAC
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | HVAC
Horticulture
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Horticulture
Plumbing
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Plumbing Apprenticeship
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Plumbing Apprenticeship
NORTHERN BC
OKANAGAN
Carpentry
Okanagan College | Carpentry/Joinery
VANCOUVER ISLAND / SUNSHINE COAST
Carpentry
Camosun College | Carpentry
Vancouver Island University | Carpentry
Electrical
Camosun College | Electrician
North Island College | Electrician
Vancouver Island University | Electrician
Gas Fitter
Vancouver Island University | Gas Fitter
HVAC
Vancouver Island University | HVAC
Horticulture
Camosun College | Horticulture
Vancouver Island University | Horticulture
Plumbing
Camosun College | Plumbing
North Island College | Plumbing
Employment Opportunities
Find electrical, carpentry, horticulture, HVAC, painting, and other skilled trades jobs on Makeafuture.ca under the ‘support staff’ position category.
Jobs in BC
Temporary/Relief Certified Journeyperson MechanicSchool District #10 (Arrow Lakes)
MechanicSchool District #35 (Langley)
Carpenter Permanent Full-Time (Afternoon Shift)School District #43 (Coquitlam)
HVAC Mechanic 1School District #43 (Coquitlam)
Electrician (Full-Time)School District #38 (Richmond)
MechanicSchool District #60 (Peace River North)
Carpenter - Full-TimeSchool District #41 (Burnaby)
HVAC TechnicianSchool District #37 (Delta)
Tradesperson Class B Gas Fitter / HVAC Technician - Mechanical / Heating Department - TemporarySchool District #36 (Surrey)
Trades - PlumberSchool District #37 (Delta)