My Personal Views by Bob Paff
"Before I start, I wish to say that my opinions below are based on my knowledge of the automotive service industry and do not reflect the needs of our other trades. "
Mandatory Certification: BC
Having trade certification non-compulsory here in B.C. has been an issue since 2003. It has opened the doors to uncertified workers in our trades and low interest in acquiring certification. There is no question about that.
Having skilled trades certification as a requirement to be legally able to work in our trades is the logical solution. Still, it appears to be placing the burden directly on the individuals. In addition, within that viewpoint, it forces those studying the issue to take a closer look at the whole system related to certification to find and repair problems that may be influencing disinterest in certification.
The issue of our industry requiring certification for our tradespersons here in BC is not in question. Most reputable businesses already hire certified tradespeople.
Nor is it the vehicle for acquiring certification. We have the ITA apprenticeship programs and Red Seal certification process, which manage that well. Yes, there are problems, and yes, there are individual solutions. But if our government, through the complex five-year review process, assumes that a complete restructure of the existing system may be required, then I personally feel that it is highly unnecessary.
The real issue lies with the businesses and service providers responsible for hiring our workforce. Their choice of hiring policies has always led to non-certification becoming an issue in this Province.
Yes, most reputable businesses would prefer to hire accredited tradespeople. Still, because certification is a choice and not a requirement, there is little incentive for future potential employees or existing employees working within the trade to become certified.
What has added to the problem is that since trade certifications are not required, secondary schools choose to eliminate classes in preparation for the trades. This also includes maths and sciences, designed to build on students' technical aptitudes related to the trades.
That has left us with a serious shortage of manpower.
Here's my idea.
Since the main issue is having registered businesses hire qualified personnel, why not put the responsibility on the business itself by making it a requirement to hire qualified tradespeople or those registered in the apprenticeship program and not try to alter existing legislation regarding apprenticeship training and the Red Seal programs?
As part of the business licensing, based on their NAICS classification codes 81111, 81112, 81119, and others, business owners would have to list the number of employees and their employee types, such as technician, apprentice, counter person, administrative, or helper.
For certified technicians, they would need to fill in their Red Seal or TQ number.
Since the ITA already sets the ratio of technicians to apprentices, we would use that as a guideline and only need to set a ratio of technicians to helpers. Having set ratios would prevent businesses from hiring only helpers or apprentices.
This would be one way to avoid major legislation affecting labor, trades, or the ITA, and amendments to BC Business Registration may be all that’s required. However, further investigation is needed regarding local Government requirements.
Since there are businesses in unincorporated areas of our Province that do not require business licensing, this would not affect them.
A variation to the 'business licensing' idea would be to use ICBC and their garage policy program, which is required by all trade-related businesses in BC, and use the same criteria to qualify for business insurance.
An additional benefit of using this format is that it becomes self-governing, which is an issue that would have to be addressed.
Here’s another idea.
Because the word ‘Certification’ here in BC can only mean Red Seal, Provincial, or TQ licensing, it leaves no room for lower-skilled positions in our workforce and is the one argument against Compulsory Certification. There is also no incentive or recognition for individuals who choose to advance their training beyond Red Seal, Provincial, or TQ Licensing.
So, why not change the meaning of ‘Certification’?
Most of us in this industry know ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) well, which is a dominant factor in the automotive service industry in the United States.
They are an independent, non-profit organization (since 1972) whose sole purpose is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals in over 40 different classifications.
Adopting this system would create an enhanced certification process that would cover all levels of our industry and not interfere with the numbers of our workforce. In fact, it would enhance it by offering a level of accreditation and professionalism to all levels of our industry.
It also has a full marketing system in place to assist a business in promoting professionalism to the general consumer.
Years ago, the C.A.R.S. Council introduced ASE to Canada as an alternative for Provinces that did not have recognized apprenticeship or certification programs.
I personally have experience with ASE by taking multiple tests locally and achieving ASE Certified Master Technician status. For me, it was the highest pinnacle of my career, and I held that status for 12 years. The prerequisite to taking the high-level exams here in Canada was to hold a Provincial, Inter-Provincial (Red Seal), or TQ license.
The testing centers are still there, and more can be temporarily created as needed.
Note: here is some recent news regarding ASE testing centers. https://www.indiegarage.ca/ase-testing-options-expand-in-canada/
Let me make something perfectly clear.
I am not considering ASE Certification as a replacement for our apprenticeship programs. I see it only as an enhancement and a problem solver to some existing issues.
Our ITA manages the apprenticeship and Red Seal programs very well and should remain stable as the core foundation. The issues seem to be related to accessibility to the programs and the business's responsibility for them.
Beyond streamlining our Skilled Trades Certification process, which, by itself, will be a major undertaking, there are additional issues that need to be addressed;
There are many jobs within this industry that do not require the high-level technical skills outlined in the Red Seal program but are equally important. These require specialized training as well as a certification process that is not incorporated into our Red Seal program.
Too many newly accredited Red Seal technicians, as well as many businesses, have the viewpoint that further advanced technical training is no longer a requirement. It is true that continuous training is not required to maintain an individual's Red Seal certification, but we do need an accredited system that continuously reflects the advancing changes and demands of our industry.
ASE does satisfy these issues and is totally voluntary.
One would think that incorporating ASE into our existing ITA programs would require some discussion. But, in reality, it would be a simplified solution.
For those jobs not requiring Red Seal certification, our province can supply the short training courses, and ASE will supply the exams for certification in that classification.
For those with Red Seal certification, individuals would be responsible for their continuous advanced training (as it is currently) and taking the exams.
ITA's involvement would only be to show support, through marketing awareness, for this 'post-Red Seal' program and supply the necessary connections for information.
The businesses and individuals within the market itself would determine its popularity, especially if it means positioning themselves better than their competitors. Plus, it would create a reality for those within the apprenticeship program and those recently Red Seal certified that higher levels are available to achieve after Red Seal. In addition, this would create demand in the private sector for trainers and educators to supply accredited courses for ASE certification.
Both of these ideas would achieve our goal without legislation.
As a final note.
The movement is growing in the United States to begin adopting apprenticeship programs as a training base before challenging the advanced ASE Certification programs. This movement was born from today's vehicles becoming so advanced in technologies that ASE Certification has become out of reach for the average mechanic, much like acquiring a university degree after secondary school.
We, here in BC, already have that first level in place. It just needs fine-tuning to make it more attractive.
Bob Paff
Editor, ASBN Publications
New Westminster, BC
"Connecting Our Industry Together"
