Skilled Trades 1201

Unit 1 Apprenticeship and the Skilled Trades

Topic 1 The Apprenticeship Program
The Apprenticeship Program and Red Seal Certification
The Apprenticeship Policy for Newfoundland is developed by the Provincial
Apprenticeship and Certification Board
sets a standard for schools that deliver apprenticeship programs and "accredits" them
certifying they meet the standards www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/trainingsites.htm
Decides which occupations have apprenticeship training.. Newfoundland and Labrador
has 56 and there are over 150 available across Canada Some have "Red Seal
Certification" and allow certificate holders to move between provinces. Not all trades
have training programs in Newfoundland and Labrador but examinations may be
provided here. www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/occupations/designatedtrades.htm
accepts registrations of persons for different trades. You can only be designated under
one trade at a time.
monitors apprenticeship programs and tracks apprentices all the way to journey person
certification
coordinates periodic written and practical examinations
approves training plans and MOU's between the apprentice and the employer
http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/forms/pdf/mou.pdf
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a training program in which a person gets a chance to gain experience
in a set of skills from an employer who needs the assistance of skilled workers.
It is formally negotiated between the employer and the apprentice, overseen by the
Certification Board. The written agreement is called a "Memorandum of
Understanding".
There are many requirements that are the responsibility of the apprentice
(http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/doc_pub/pdf/gen_conditions.pdf)
Apprenticeship and Journeyperson
An apprentice is a person who gets on-the-job-training from a qualified Journey person,
with periods of formal school training in between.

 A Journey person has already passed the apprenticeship program, received a

"Certificate of Qualification" and has written the Journey Person Certification
Examination.
Apprenticeship facts
The Record of Occupation Progress is a log book an apprentice must submit at the end
of the apprenticeship program. (http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/app/logbook.htm)
It contains a list of skills and work experiences determined by an advisory group of
industry-related persons outside the Department of Education.
It contains signatures of trade-certified supervisors and transcripts from trade schools.
The apprentice must find an employer and register with the Industrial Training Section
of the Department of Education. An apprentice typically spends 80% of training time in
the workplace.
You must have high school completion and may have required courses depending upon
the trade. Mature Students may enter over the age of 19 who can demonstrate high
school competency..
First-Year apprentices get a wage rate 55% of the Journey person's wage, increasing
over time. A journey person earns between 30 and 70,000.00 per year. Wage is
determined by demand in the industry and the local economy.
The apprentice must maintain the log book and complete everything outlined in it. You
must also have a personal set of tools required for the training program.
After a specified period of formal technical training, workplace experience and formal
examinations, the apprentice gets a Certificate of Qualification.
Apprenticeship programs can range from 1-5 years and average 4 years
The Training Plan the apprentice must follow is determined by industry members
(http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/plansoftraining/index.htm)

Trade Qualifier
A Trade Qualifier is an individual who has amassed sufficient practical work experience
to meet the established criteria to attempt the certification journey level (Provincial or
Interprovincial) examination. The criteria requires relevant on-the-job experience of at
least one year in excess of the apprenticeship term. For example, a Trade Qualifier
employed as an Automotive Service Technician requires five years of work experience
where the apprenticeship term for that occupation is four years.
The Trade Qualifier must provide documentation which verifies competence through
sign-off of mandatory work skills as attested by a certified journeyperson in the

respective occupation. Documentation must also include verification of time employed

in the occupation.
A person attempting certification as a Trade Qualifier need not complete any
institutional training; although the option to attend training is available where the need
for theoretical upgrading is identified. Trade Qualifiers who successfully complete the
certification examination receive the same Certificate of Qualification (journeyperson
certificate) as a completing apprentice.

Topic 2 The Skilled Trades

Trade Certification
Red Seal Trades or Interprovincial Trades. allow workers to move between
provinces without writing further exams.
http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/occupations/designatedtrades.htm
There are many training sites in Newfoundland
College of the North Atlantic is a publicly funded institution with 17 campuses across the
province. They offer a wide variety of courses including the skilled trades courses. Not
all campuses offer all courses
There are a number of private colleges and schools around the province that offer the
skilled trades courses. Some schools are unique to a trade (usually set up by a trade
organization ie. Carpenter Millwright College, Operating Engineers, etc.) while other
schools offer a wide variety of courses. (Academy Canada, Keyin Tech, Eastern College,
etc.)

Topic 3 Courses Common to all Skilled Trades

The training plans for a trade outline courses required for that trade.
Within the course list there are courses that are the same for all trades.
The common courses are:
Workplace Correspondence
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of effective communication including
letters, memos, short report writing, oral presentations and interpersonal communications.

Customer Service
This course focuses on the role of providing quality customer service. It is important to have a positive
attitude and the necessary skills to effectively listen and interpret customer concerns about a product,
resolve customer problems, and determine customer wants and needs. Students will be able to use the

skills and knowledge gained in this course to effectively provide a consistently high level of service to the
customer.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the concepts and requirements of QA/QC
such as, interpreting standards, controlling the acceptance of raw materials, controlling quality variables
and documenting the process. It includes information on quality concepts, codes and standards,
documentation, communications, human resources, company structure and policy, teamwork and
responsibilities.

Introduction to Computers
This course is designed to give the student an introduction to computer systems. Particular emphasis is
given to word processing, spreadsheet, email and the Internet and security issues.

Workplace Skills
This course involves participating in meetings, information on formal meetings, unions, workers
compensation, employment insurance regulations, workers rights and human rights.

Job Search Techniques

This course is designed to give students an introduction to the critical elements of effective job search
techniques

Entrepreneurial Awareness
This course is designed to introduce the student to the field of entrepreneurship, including the
characteristics of the entrepreneur, the pros and cons of selfemployment, and some of the steps
involved in starting your own business.
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Basic Math

This course in Basic Math requires knowledge of general mathematical concepts and processes to
enable trades persons to function in the institutional setting by developing numeracy skills required for
technical courses. This math course should also provide a foundation for experiential learning through
knowledge of math relating to onthejob skills and practices. A detailed course outline is available from
Institutional and Industrial Education, Standards and Curriculum Division to training institutions upon
request.

Introduction to Apprenticeship

This course is designed to give participants the knowledge base and skills necessary to understand and
successfully navigate the apprenticeship/red seal program.

Areas Stressed in Formal Training

Course work dealing with writing and mathematical skills.
Quality service as a part of doing business.

 Unions and their function in the skilled trade workplace.

Methods of searching for and obtaining employment in the skilled trades.
Entrepreneurship as an alternative to being employed by others.
Writing is an important part for business correspondence
Quality service is important in gaining and retaining customers
Organized trades unions play an important role
Interview and Job Search Skills are important
Quality assurance, standards, codes, work
Potential of entrepreneurial pursuits versus regular employment

Topic 4 Focus on 6 Skilled Trades

6 trades focused upon in this course:
Carpentry
Residential Electrician
Plumber
Lather
Painter-Decorator
Mason
Each has a specific training plan including technical, academic and practical knowledge
and skills