Surrey City Bylaw Guide: Hire an Apprentice

Labor and Employment British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Hiring an apprentice in Surrey, British Columbia requires following municipal licence rules, provincial apprenticeship registration and workplace safety obligations. This guide explains the main employer steps, which City of Surrey departments to contact, and where to find provincial apprenticeship registration and workplace-safety requirements so you can recruit and manage apprentices compliantly. It summarizes practical actions, common documentation, and enforcement pathways to help small and medium employers onboard apprentices lawfully in Surrey.

Employer steps overview

Common employer steps include confirming trade eligibility, registering as an employer with the provincial apprenticeship authority, ensuring city licences or permits are in place for the workplace, and meeting WorkSafeBC obligations for training and supervision. Check municipal business-licence requirements before hiring: City of Surrey Business Licences[1].

Confirm trade scope and whether the position is a provincially recognized apprenticeship program.

Penalties & Enforcement

Surrey enforces municipal licensing and bylaw compliance through its By-law Enforcement and Business Licence teams; provincial trade certification and apprenticeship standards are enforced by SkilledTradesBC and occupational safety by WorkSafeBC. Specific monetary fines, daily penalties, or explicit fee amounts for hiring-related breaches are not specified on the cited municipal or provincial pages; see citations below for enforcement contacts and statutory instruments.[2][3]

  • Enforcer: City of Surrey By-law Enforcement and Business Licence office for licence breaches and local permit noncompliance.
  • Enforcer: SkilledTradesBC for trade registration, apprenticeship standards and employer registration requirements.
  • Enforcer: WorkSafeBC enforces workplace safety, training and supervision rules applicable to apprentices.
  • Monetary fines or fee amounts: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Appeals and review: not specified on the cited pages for municipal licensing; provincial appeal routes for apprenticeship decisions are described on the provincial page where applicable.
  • Common violations: operating without required business licence or failing to register as an employer for apprenticeship programs (penalties not specified on cited pages).
If a specific fine or timeframe is required, contact the listed enforcement office for an exact citation.

Applications & Forms

Employer registration and application requirements are managed provincially by SkilledTradesBC and locally by the City of Surrey for business licences. Where a named municipal form exists it will be posted on the City of Surrey site; SkilledTradesBC publishes employer resources and registration steps for apprenticeship programs.[2]

  • City business licence application: check the City of Surrey Business Licences page for application forms and submission instructions.[1]
  • Provincial employer registration: see SkilledTradesBC employer resources for apprenticeship registration; specific form names and fees are listed there if applicable.[2]
  • WorkSafeBC employer obligations: consult WorkSafeBC for any required employer safety programs or registration steps.[3]

Action steps for employers

  • Confirm trade and program recognition with SkilledTradesBC and register as an employer if required.
  • Obtain or update a City of Surrey business licence for the workplace activity before placing an apprentice on site.[1]
  • Document training plans, on-the-job supervision and record apprenticeship hours as required by the provincial program.
  • Confirm wage, stipend or funding obligations under provincial apprenticeship rules and the Employment Standards Act.
  • Contact the relevant enforcement offices promptly for clarification or to dispute a notice.
Keep apprenticeship records and correspondence to support compliance reviews.

FAQ

Do I need a City of Surrey business licence to hire an apprentice?
Possibly; business-licence requirements depend on your workplace activity and location—check the City of Surrey Business Licences page for your industry and permit needs.[1]
How do I register as an employer for an apprenticeship in BC?
Register through the provincial apprenticeship authority and follow SkilledTradesBC employer resources for program-specific registration and reporting steps.[2]
What workplace-safety obligations apply to apprentices?
Employers must meet WorkSafeBC safety and training obligations for all workers, including apprentices; consult WorkSafeBC for program-specific requirements.[3]

How-To

  1. Verify the apprenticeship trade and program recognition with SkilledTradesBC.
  2. Confirm your workplace requires a City of Surrey business licence and apply if needed via the city website.[1]
  3. Register as an employer or contact the provincial apprenticeship program for enrollment steps.[2]
  4. Implement a training plan and safety supervision consistent with WorkSafeBC guidelines.[3]
  5. Keep records of hours, training and assessments and respond to any municipal or provincial enquiries.

Key Takeaways

  • Combine municipal business-licence checks with provincial apprenticeship registration for full compliance.
  • Maintain training records, supervision plans and safety documentation for apprentices.
  • Contact City of Surrey and SkilledTradesBC early to clarify forms, fees or appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey Business Licences
  2. [2] SkilledTradesBC - Employer resources
  3. [3] WorkSafeBC - Employers

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