Launch Your Burnaby Apprenticeship Training Business Today and Succeed
Welcome to your starter guide for launching an apprenticeship training business in Burnaby. This page shows practical, step-by-step steps to get approved and start delivering programs under NAICS 611513. You’ll find a clear five‑part requirements overview, from business registration and facility readiness to instructor credentials, safety policies, and industry partnerships. We also cover the permits and licenses you’ll need, plus a realistic look at startup costs and a sensible timeline.
What you’ll learn here: practical steps to meet each requirement, estimate setup costs, and map a realistic launch timeline. We break five core requirements into actionable tasks you can complete in weeks, including permits, registrations, facility checks, and safety plans. You’ll get a simple cost range for initial setup and ongoing program delivery, plus tips to speed Burnaby approvals.
Why Burnaby works: the city sits next to Vancouver’s broad job market, offers ready access to training facilities, and supports providers with clear processes. With five straightforward requirements and local resources, you can launch high‑quality apprenticeship programs that meet industry demand and help learners build solid careers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. The BN is the government-issued ID you’ll use with the Canada Revenue Agency for tax, payroll, and other filings. Because this requirement is non-negotiable, make BN registration your first step before you set up your training program or hire staff.
Beyond BN, you’ll handle health and safety and necessary permits. In BC, WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is mandatory to protect workers and comply with safety laws. Ensure proper safety policies, training, and records are in place, and that apprentices are supervised. If your space or training activity requires any local permits or inspections, address those early to avoid delays.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need to register your BC business name (for Sole Proprietorship or Partnership) with the BC Corporate Registry. Plan for tax registrations such as GST/HST Registration if your taxable supplies meet the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees or apprentices. Your BN will be used across these registrations, so keep your information consistent and up to date.
Starting an apprenticeship program is a great move—take it step by step. Start with BN registration, then complete safety and business registrations, and set up your payroll and GST systems. If you’d like, I can help map out a simple 30-day checklist to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a apprenticeship training in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your apprenticeship training:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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