The Lifecycle of a Tradesperson
Pre-Apprentice to Red Seal: UC411 Breaks it Down. What you need to know about becoming a successful tradesperson in Canada.

There are currently over 45 colleges, career colleges, and universities across Canada on UC411 that offer apprenticeship programs. Visit our new ‘Apprenticeships’ page to find a training program at a school near you, and get started on YOUR career right away.

If you like a challenge and enjoy the focus of specialized training while learning a skill, then a career in trades may be for you. Whether you want to become a world-class chef, a plumber or a hairstylist, there are many trades you can learn through apprenticeship.

1. Pre-Apprenticeship 2. Apprenticeship 3. Journeyman 4. Red Seal Certification

"The outlook for careers in trades is very good. ITAC (the Industry, Training and Apprenticeship Commission) estimates that over the next ten years, 60% of all new jobs will be in the trades and technologies. Those who start on this career path now will meet this demand as it nears a peak when they complete their apprenticeships in 4-5 years," says Mickey Bliss, a North Island College Electrical Instructor.

In the next 10 years in BC alone, approximately 90,000 jobs in the trades, transport and equipment sectors will come available due to labour shortages.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to attracting young people is the stigma attached to becoming a tradesperson. "Children are constantly exposed to an academic world," says Peter Woods of the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship. "They see trades as second choices to pursuing academic professions."

Generally, the major sources of influence on a young person's career choice know little about trades. As difficult as it is to find quality information on trades, it is equally difficult to find information that incorporates today's changing technology. As one employer put it, "There is a definite need for technicians with higher level reading and logic capabilities. It is just as challenging for a cutting edge technician to stay current on new trends and technologies as it is for a doctor to stay current on new treatments. Both fields are constantly evolving and it becomes the responsibility of the employee to seek out new knowledge."

Canadian occupations expanding in the next five years include industrial mechanics and electricians, heavy equipment operators, building and automotive trades, welders, and aerospace trades and technicians. With such a diverse list, most students interested in pursuing a career in the trades should be able to find one that matches his/her criteria.

So what does it take to become a tradesperson? UC411 provides you with an overview of the lifecycle of a career in trades.

We’ve asked the questions, and we’ve got your answers. Following, are the steps necessary to become a qualified trade expert in Canada, from beginner to pro. After you’ve read this article, don’t forget to visit our new ‘Apprenticeships’ page on UC411 where you can find colleges, career colleges, and universities across Canada that offer apprenticeship programs.

Pre-Apprenticeship

Canadian standards for apprenticeship training are among the highest in the world. While you can enter the field directly through apprenticeship, a student may also consider completing some Entry Level Trades Training (ELTT). In ELTT, students learn about trade safety, the tools of the trade and a basic knowledge of trade concepts, which in turn reduces training time from the employer's perspective. Most programs involve formal, classroom-based instruction lasting three to twelve months. Many employers prefer to hire ELTT grads because they are pre-screened and likely to be motivated employees.

* Before enrolling in any pre-apprenticeship type of program you should find out if it can be credited towards the apprenticeship term in your chosen trade.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a method of learning the skills and knowledge it takes to become a journeyman. (The terms Journeyman and Apprentice refer to both women and men.) To progress from one level to the next students must successfully complete the technical training, pass the Apprenticeship Exam, have the required number of hours of on-the-job work experience and receive a satisfactory report from their employer. Apprentices must at all times carry an apprentice ID card that they may be required to produce on request.

The process of becoming enrolled as a formal apprentice is called ‘indentureship’. To become indentured, an individual must be working as an apprentice in a designated trade and be registered with ITAC. The individual, their employer and ITAC commit to a partnership that ensures the apprentice will receive valuable academic and workplace training in their chosen trade. ITAC and the government work with training establishments to ensure the training content is consistent across a province and administers examinations developed by industry professionals.

Depending on the trade, apprenticeship training can last from one to four years, however not all trades have apprenticeship programs. But the majority of employers realize that training skilled workers throughout the apprenticeship program is a long-term investment for their industry as a whole.

In a recent survey of employers more than 70% of respondents said that employing registered apprentices actually increased both their bottom line and their competitive edge.

Keith Lancastle, Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, acknowledges on CarsYouth.ca, that it's sometimes difficult to persuade young people to follow this career path. "Not only are you asking them to make a long-term investment, but you have to convince them they're better off earning maybe $7 to $10 an hour as an apprentice because of the life-long benefits including future earning potential."

The more education you have, the better your chances are for being hired as an apprentice and succeeding in your training. After successfully completing the requirements of an apprenticeship program, the apprentice will be awarded a Completion of Apprenticeship Certificate (C of A). In trades that also have an Inter-provincial Red Seal endorsement available, apprentices must pass the examination in order to complete their apprenticeship.

Fortunately, says Lancastle, the long-term benefits of an apprenticeship program far outweigh any short-term disadvantages. Apprentices enjoy a number of benefits while they're learning their trade. "You earn while you learn in an apprenticeship program. As a result, when you complete your apprenticeship, you generally have the opportunity to begin your career without having incurred any major debt along the way."

Journeyman

Passing the final period exam is one of the last requirements of apprentices before they receive certified journeyman status, which recognizes them for having the skills and competencies in their trade.

Depending on the trade, the apprentice may have committed 4 years to achieve the level of journeyman. Students may be eligible to receive credit for trade-related experience or for completion of trade and technology programs that could shorten the term of their apprenticeship. This may allow them to reach Journeyman status sooner.

A journeyman certificate is issued to an apprentice who has completed their term of apprenticeship, received a satisfactory report from their employer as well as the school that provided the technical training and has successfully completed the tests and examinations prescribed by the Provincial Apprenticeship Committees.

Employment rates for certified journeymen remain high. In a recent survey of employers, approximately 80 percent of respondents said employing apprenticeship-trained journeymen increases both their profit margin and their competitiveness.

Journeymen are valuable to employers for stability, quality and profit. As a Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic for TimberWest in BC, David Elves finds the work interesting and challenging. "The key to finding work in trades is to constantly learn new skills to make yourself adaptable in your field."

Red Seal Certification

Employment and mobility prospects are generally better for individuals who have an Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement on their journeyman certificate.

This Red Seal allows qualified tradespeople to practice the designated trade in any province or territory in Canada. Through the Red Seal program, apprentices who have completed their training as well as certified journeyman are able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification by successfully completing an Interprovincial Standards Examination.

Graduates are able to go directly to the work site in their new province. "There's no holdup, no red tape when they have a Red Seal on their certificate," says Craig Norton, Manager, Apprenticeship and Training for the Prince Edward Island Department of Education.

Once an Inter-provincial Red Seal has been issued, the holders are generally exempt from having to write any further examinations.

A Red Seal certification provides mobility because provinces and territories recognize the standard that the Red Seal holder has met. Red Seals were first given out in 1958. "Today, the Red Seal Program covers 45 occupations and more than 85 percent of trades workers in Canada." says Norton.

Other Opportunities

You don't become a tradesperson overnight, but with a trade certification many different doors are open to you. In the future if you want a change of scenery you can always become a contractor, consultant, inspector or college instructor. A career in trades is one that allows for freedom and flexibility throughout the lifecycle of your employment.

There are currently over 45 colleges, career colleges, and universities across Canada on UC411 that offer apprenticeship programs. Visit our new ‘Apprenticeships’ page to find a training program at a school near you, and get started on YOUR career right away.