Programs
transCDA has responsibility for twenty-six transportation industry training programs within the road, rail, marine and aerospace sectors, including four Inter-Provincial (Red Seal) occupations and a number of high-participation BC Recognized occupations. It manages up to eight programs for each occupation: Apprenticeship; Foundation; Challenge; Equivalency; ACE-IT; SSA; Endorsement and Assessor.
These include large and long-established programs such as the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician and Truck and Transport Mechanic as well as recently introduced programs such as Heavy Equipment Operator and Road Builder Foundation, and very recently approved programs, namely, Deckhand and Professional Truck Driver.
Labour market demand and pressures across many of the transportation industry assigned programs are anticipated to be very strong in the years ahead. In particular, dramatic levels of retirement-driven turnover are projected. There is also intense competition among industries and jurisdictions for qualified labour.
APPRENTICESHIP
Apprenticeship is a system of training to acquire a new skill and apprentices build their careers from apprenticeships. Most of the training is done on the job while working for an employer/sponsor who helps the apprentice learn a trade. There is usually an agreement in place for the apprentice to remain working for the employer for an agreed time after he / she becomes certified. The apprentice also attends in-school training while still being paid by the employer.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
In British Columbia (BC) apprenticeship programs combine on the job training and (technical) in-school training leading to a BC Certificate of Qualification or an Inter-Provincial (Red Seal) endorsement. On the job training accounts for about eighty to eighty-five percent of an apprenticeship while the in-school portion takes up fifteen to twenty percent of the time. An apprentice program can take anywhere from two to four years to complete. transCDA has been assigned responsibility for the following ITA industry training programs as of July 2009:
ACCREDITED PROGRAMS (RED SEAL)
Tradespersons in BC are able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their provincial certificates by successfully completing an Inter-Provincial (Red Seal) examination. This means journeypersons will have their qualifications recognized throughout Canada. Employers are also assured that an employee meets a standard of knowledge and competence that has been defined and vetted by industry.
RECOGNIZED PROGRAMS (BC)
A Recognized Program is an occupation that follows BC provincial standards, includes a work-based and in-school component, and is approved by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). Successful completion of these programs results in the issuance of a BC Certificate of Qualification.
FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Foundation Programs are a type of pre-apprenticeship program that provides trainees with the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into a particular occupation. In most cases, trainees receive technical credit toward level one of the apprentice program. A minimal amount of work-based hours is earned as these programs are mainly delivered in a classroom or shop setting.
Road Programs
Rail Programs
Marine Programs
Aerospace Programs