A common obstacle that trade workers face is having a certification that is only valid in a given number of provinces and territories across the country. Ultimately, a limited certification prevents workers from having a level of liberty that comes with career mobility.
Luckily, The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program (RSP) was created over 50 years ago to provide skilled workers a higher level of professional freedom within their trade. In short, those who write and pass the RSP examination are given a special endorsement on their certificate or diploma, thereby allowing them to practice their trade across all Canadian provinces and territories.
In order to write the RSP examination, one must first complete an apprenticeship in a designated trade. To be accepted into the apprenticeship program at a participating college, applicants need to have an employer agree to take them on as an apprentice. Students will complete academic courses while simultaneously working as an apprentice.
The obvious benefit of enrolling in an apprenticeship program is being able to earn a degree while also gaining hands-on experience with a licenced employer. Here are just a few examples of apprenticeship programs, with a peek on what a student would be learning in school, and the potential job positions they would be fill as an apprentice:
Sheet metal worker apprenticeship
Study topics:
- Procedures of designing, building, installing air handling systems
- Manufacturing and gauging of metals, duct construction materials
Apprentice positions:
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
- Metal Forming, Shaping and Erecting Occupations
Steamfitter apprenticeship
Study topics:
- Plan reading, specifications and building codes in mainly the industrial-commercial-institutional sector
- Specifications of hot water boiler systems, process and air conditioning piping, gas, and refrigeration
- The importance of workplace safety, building codes and regulations
Apprentice positions:
- Steamfitters
- Pipefitters
- Certified Journeypersons
- Skilled Trade Workers
Welder apprenticeship
Study topics:
- Arc, gas and resistance welding theory
- Reading and interpreting blueprints
- Special processes such as plasma cutting and tig welding
Welder career options:
- Journeyperson Welder
- Fabrication Welder
- Production Welder
- Construction Welder
- Pressure Vessel Welder
A welder apprenticeship will be very different than a sheet metal worker apprenticeship or a steamfitter apprenticeship. Still, each will expose students to hand-on experience of the trade.
There are dozens more which those striving for a trade-specific career can choose from. With over 50 trades included within those that can be practiced on a national level, RSP-approved apprenticeship trades also include:
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Baker
- Carpenter
- Glazier
- Hairstylist
- Industrial Electrician
- Ironworker
- Mechanist
- Rig Technician
- Tower Crane Operator
It is likely that anyone will be able to find an apprenticeship program that focuses on their craft of interest.
Luckily, The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program (RSP) was created over 50 years ago to provide skilled workers a higher level of professional freedom within their trade. In short, those who write and pass the RSP examination are given a special endorsement on their certificate or diploma, thereby allowing them to practice their trade across all Canadian provinces and territories.
In order to write the RSP examination, one must first complete an apprenticeship in a designated trade. To be accepted into the apprenticeship program at a participating college, applicants need to have an employer agree to take them on as an apprentice. Students will complete academic courses while simultaneously working as an apprentice.
The obvious benefit of enrolling in an apprenticeship program is being able to earn a degree while also gaining hands-on experience with a licenced employer. Here are just a few examples of apprenticeship programs, with a peek on what a student would be learning in school, and the potential job positions they would be fill as an apprentice:
Sheet metal worker apprenticeship
Study topics:
- Procedures of designing, building, installing air handling systems
- Manufacturing and gauging of metals, duct construction materials
Apprentice positions:
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
- Metal Forming, Shaping and Erecting Occupations
Steamfitter apprenticeship
Study topics:
- Plan reading, specifications and building codes in mainly the industrial-commercial-institutional sector
- Specifications of hot water boiler systems, process and air conditioning piping, gas, and refrigeration
- The importance of workplace safety, building codes and regulations
Apprentice positions:
- Steamfitters
- Pipefitters
- Certified Journeypersons
- Skilled Trade Workers
Welder apprenticeship
Study topics:
- Arc, gas and resistance welding theory
- Reading and interpreting blueprints
- Special processes such as plasma cutting and tig welding
Welder career options:
- Journeyperson Welder
- Fabrication Welder
- Production Welder
- Construction Welder
- Pressure Vessel Welder
A welder apprenticeship will be very different than a sheet metal worker apprenticeship or a steamfitter apprenticeship. Still, each will expose students to hand-on experience of the trade.
There are dozens more which those striving for a trade-specific career can choose from. With over 50 trades included within those that can be practiced on a national level, RSP-approved apprenticeship trades also include:
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Baker
- Carpenter
- Glazier
- Hairstylist
- Industrial Electrician
- Ironworker
- Mechanist
- Rig Technician
- Tower Crane Operator
It is likely that anyone will be able to find an apprenticeship program that focuses on their craft of interest.
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