Become the Employer of Choice: A Strategy Worth Leveraging
- Laurie Dillman
- Dec 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Are you a leader in a mining company, transportation and/or equipment-based organization, or First Nations Economic Development Corporation in British Columbia? Go Team Professional Training (Go Team) understands that you are likely being challenged by the current labor market supply and demand for operators and drivers. Go Team encourages you to consider starting your own commercial driving and equipment training school, to be able to select the trainees who are a good fit for your own operations, while raising the level of drivers and operators across the province for others to appreciate. Here are the main steps to consider before opening your own school and becoming an employer of choice, for a competent and ready workforce that can support your business goals well into the future.
1. Decide What Kind of Training You’re Offering
Different types of equipment training may fall under different regulatory bodies:
Career-related vocational training programs (e.g., MELT training, heavy equipment operator certification, operator safety courses) typically require you to be a private training institution under the Private Training Act if tuition and instructional hours exceed certain thresholds.
Technical safety / certified courses recognized by regulators (like Technical Safety BC) require their own training provider recognition.
If your training is specialized (e.g.,ICBC or another Provincial Insurance body in Canada, CSA-compliant mobile equipment training), you'll want to align with relevant standards like CSA B335-15 for mobile equipment.
2. Certify as a Private Training Institution (If Applicable)
If you plan to offer career-related training programs that are:
40 hours or more in instructional time, and
$4,000 or more tuition,
then you’ll likely need certification from the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) — formerly PTIB — under the Private Training Act.
Requirements include:
✔ Attend an orientation session with PTIRU (required before applying).✔ Apply with:
Business plan (with financials, marketing, etc.).
Student enrolment contracts and policies.
Proof of liability insurance.
Program outlines for each course.
Program delivery plans and equipment details.
Programs that don’t meet the tuition or hours threshold might be exempt, but you must verify based on the PTIRU criteria.
3. Instructor Qualifications
To deliver training, instructors must have relevant experience and credentials:
For career-related vocational programs, instructors generally need:
A relevant certificate/diploma/degree and two years’ work experience or
10+ years’ work experience in the subject area.
· ICBC Certified Instructors are required to hold:
o A relevant certification and minimum training and experience.
For specialized equipment training recognized by technical safety bodies, the regulator (e.g., Technical Safety BC) may require instructors to have specific certifications and documented teaching experience.
4. Regulatory Approval for Specific Equipment Courses and become a Licensed ICBC Training Provider
If your training involves specific regulated equipment (e.g., mobile equipment, gas safety, etc.):
You may need to apply to bodies like Technical Safety BC to have your course recognized or approved as a training provider.
Approved training might require detailed submission of instructor credentials, course materials, and assessment methods.
5. Facilities & Equipment
You’ll need:
Physical training space that’s safe, accessible, and compliant with local bylaws.
Equipment meeting safety standards for hands-on training.
Curriculum materials matched to learning outcomes (including classroom and practical content).
If your training leads to certifications/industry tickets, your curriculum should align with recognized standards (like ICBC for licensing or CSA for mobile equipment or industry-recognized qualifications).
6. Operational & Administrative Setup
Plan for:
ü Student enrollment process (contracts, policies, waivers).
ü Record-keeping systems (attendance, assessments, safety records).
ü Marketing & recruitment strategy for your target audience.
ü Compliance with WorkSafeBC occupational health & safety requirements for training environments.
7. Ongoing Compliance
Once certified:
You must adhere to ICBC and/or PTIRU quality standards, including reporting and audits.
Maintain insurance, accurate contracts, and quality delivery.
Renew licenses/certificates as required and ensure instructor credentials remain current.
Helpful Tips
Consult with Go Team Professional Training to gain assistance to a business plan, experienced business development strategies, trainers, curriculum development, accessing and leveraging provincial and federal grant funding systems.
Consult a business lawyer or consultant familiar with BC training regulation to guide applications and compliance.
Connect early with regulators (PTIRU, Technical Safety BC) to clarify what applies to your specific training courses. This process may take several months or even years to complete.
Start with a clear business plan and documented curriculum aligned with industry standards — this streamlines regulatory approval.
There is grant funding out there to help cover each stage of the process.
Reach out to Go Team today for a free consultation with one of our team members.
Be the leader in the industry, don’t rely on someone else to train your people.
Go Team Professional Training Ltd.
Prince George, BC
250-613-9422
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