Training Provider Program Recognition for Class A Apprenticeship Training Programs

The Industry Training Authority (ITA) has recently reviewed and updated the Class A Gas Apprenticeship Training Program. Training providers intending to deliver training for the ITA’s new two-level Class A Gasfitter Apprenticeship must have the program recognized by a provincial safety manager per directive D-GA-2018-02. To do so, the training provider must submit appropriate documents for review before delivering the training. Start by completing the online application form.To allow for processing, the application and documentation should be submitted at least six weeks before the proposed training date.

About the new program

The new apprenticeship program is designed to satisfy Technical Safety BC’s Class A Gasfitter certificate of qualification syllabus, and the requirements of the national standard which provides a red seal endorsement. The new ITA red seal Class A Apprenticeship Program is scheduled to be implemented April 1, 2021. Per ITA, training providers can begin to offer level one of the new recognized training program on April 1, 2021, and level two on April 1, 2022.

To meet the requirements of Gas Safety Regulation (GSR) Division 2 s.6(1)(a), a Class A Gas Apprenticeship Program should:

• include all topics identified in the most current syllabus;
• include at least 261 hours of theory (in-class and / or online) and 39 hours of lab / shop practical training for level one; and
• include at least 251 hours of theory (in-class and / or online) and 49 hours of lab / shop practical training for level two.

Apprenticeship training programs must also be approved by the ITA.

To align with ITA’s transition plan, recognized Class A gas training programs delivered after March 31, 2021 must satisfy the new Technical Safety BC Class A syllabus.

Individuals that successfully complete the new Class A apprenticeship and are issued a red seal endorsement can make application, pay the required fees, and challenge the Act, Regulations and Directives (ARD) exam. If the individual is successful, (s)he will be issued a BC certificate of qualification.

For additional information on terms and legislation, please refer to the applicable Act, and Regulations.

Vicky Kang
Manager, Energy
Provincial Safety Manager, Gas

Alina Urloiu
Manager, Training Provider & Technical Learning

References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation