Angelique Prince

Session Synopsis: Beyond Credentials: What It Takes to Build Competence and Improve Safety

What are we really trying to achieve through training and credentialing? The answer is not simply more paper – it's competent and safe workers. This presentation will unpack the differences between training, certificates, certification, and licensing, and what they enable [and what they don't!] We will also explore what happens after a worker arrives with a credential, including the critical role of workplace-specific learning & supervision, and how to translate qualifications into competence on the job. The presentation will also share how WorkSafeBC is improving the quality of its credentialing programs, and provide an overview of national OHS training harmonization activities. Throughout the session, participants will be invited to consider how quality credentialing programs and practical on the job training are critical to improved safety outcomes.

Biography

Angelique Prince is the Director of Prevention Programs and Services at WorkSafeBC. Over the past 20 years, she has worked in occupational health and safety across various domains, including regulatory programs, industry engagement, education, and credentialing. She holds a Master of Education focused on non-formal workplace learning and has built her career around strengthening the systems that support safe work. Angelique currently leads a diverse portfolio that includes industry partnerships, prevention initiatives, credentialing and licensing programs, and worker engagement. She is particularly interested in the connection between worker competence, organizational capability, and public trust, and is passionate about developing practical approaches that improve health and safety outcomes for workers and employers across British Columbia.