Ashton College has Four New Red Seal Exam Prep Courses

 

At Ashton College, we have four new additions to our Red Seal Exam Prep course lineup: 

1. Baker Red Seal Exam Prep Course 

2. Gasfitter Red Seal Exam Prep Course 

3. Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Red Seal Exam Prep Course 

4. Truck and Transport Mechanic Red Seal Exam Prep Course 

On Talent.com, Red Seal certified trades people earn an average of $71,891 annually. 

Note that all these jobs require you to have completed at least high school, the apprenticeship of each respective field, and have competencies in reading, writing, oral communication, computer use, and other skills of the same calibre for a solid foundation before reaching their specialized knowledge in order to do your jobs properly and effectively. 

All these prep courses require an understanding of the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) and standard exam practices such as content review, study notes, and strategy against multiple choice questions.  

1. Baker 

Much like the cook, the Baker, focuses mostly on bread-based food. Being a Baker requires one to have knowledge of different baking techniques, machinery usage, and culinary knowledge on how different types of food work with each other. 

Some of the things you will learn from this exam prep course include: 

• Understanding the basics of food safety and sanitation 

• Understanding food science 

• Applying the mathematics of baking which covers conversions, calculations, percentages, and formulas 

2. Gasfitter 

A Gasfitter helps with the inspection, repair, and maintenance of gas lines and other types of gas fired equipment in the form of British Thermal Units (BTU). The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that BTU is a measure of heat in fuels/energy. One BTU is around the energy released of one lit match. Gasfitter has two types of classes: 
Class A permits the Gasfitter to handle an unlimited amount of BTU; Class B can only permit up to 400,000 BTU. 

Some of the things you will learn from this exam prep course include: 

• Understanding how gas piping systems work and how to assemble them 

• Understanding the safety of handling gas and the tools and equipment that will be used 

• Knowing the different types of systems which include, but are not limited to, vents, air supply, electrical, and propane 

3. Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) 

An Industrial Mechanic works on any machine or equipment that has any part that is mechanical based, pneumatic based, hydraulic based, fuel based, lubrication based, cooling based, or exhaust based, on an industrial level. Interestingly, the reason why this trades job has the word “millwright” in parenthesis is because it refers to a person who works in mills, to which have similar moving parts to most modern, big industrial machinery and we can assume, that is why the word “millwright” is there.  
Some of the things you will learn from this exam prep course include: 

• Understanding the ins and outs of basic robotics and automated equipment 

• Knowing systems that Millwrights will work on, which include vacuum systems, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, etc. 

• Understanding the components and system of a mechanical power transmission 

4. Truck and Transport Mechanic  

A Truck and Transport Mechanic works on any vehicle that is big enough to transport cargo or is classified to be a truck. They work on inspection, repair, and maintenance on a lot of aspects of a vehicle, which include but are not limited to, structural integrity, mechanical parts, electrical parts, and even electronic systems.  

Some of the things you will learn from this exam prep course include: 

• Understanding the different systems that go on in trucks and other transport vehicles 

• Knowing how to inspect and repair the many systems that exist in large vehicles 

• Knowing the tools and how to use them to repair vehicles 

Interested? 

Get a head start on your Red Seal certification with the help of our red seal exam preparation courses. Sign up today at Ashton College. 

Written By Adam Rosman

Why You Should Become a Red Seal Welder

 

If you’ve been working as a welder for several years, you’re eligible to earn your Red Seal Endorsement for welding. Some welders are hesitant to earn their Red Seal as they’re already comfortably employed and don’t want to invest the time and money, but these welders haven’t considered the many benefits that come with being a Red Seal welder. Earning you Red Seal is crucial to finding greater success as a welder, and it has never been easier to challenge the exam thanks to Ashton College’s continuing education courses. We’re going to tell you exactly why you should become a Red Seal welder, and how Ashton College can help you get there with their Welder Red Seal Exam Prep course.

National Recognition

A Red Seal Endorsement is a standard of excellence that is recognized across Canada. What this means for you is that you can take your welding skills to any place in Canada without any issues. Uncertified welders who move to a new province have to deal with the provincial regulating body there to see if their experience is valid, but this is not the case for Red Seal welders. Having a Red Seal Endorsement means you can easily move to wherever the best work opportunities are.

Better Job Opportunities

Red Seal welders have access to more job opportunities, not only because they can work anywhere in Canada, but because employers look for Red Seal welders to fill high-value positions within their company. With a Red Seal Endorsement, welders can find work as a lead hand, welding supervisor, welding inspector, or as a project manager. Red Seal welders can also find work in industries that the average welder cannot.  Certain industries require Red Seal welding expertise due the specialized nature of the work they’ll be performing. Being officially recognized as a skilled trades worker is the best way to move ahead with your career.

Better Wages

Employers value Red Seal welders and are willing to pay more for their labour. Not only does having a Red Seal Endorsement open you up to new job opportunities, that are often higher paying, it also allows you to negotiate for better wages in your current position.

Validates Foreign Experience

If you’ve been working as a welder outside of Canada and you’re looking to move into the Canadian job market, then becoming a Red Seal welder will enable you to keep your career on track. By earning a Red Seal Endorsement, you have nationally recognized proof of your skills, and you won’t have to go through a lengthy apprenticeship program in Canada.

Exam Prep

To earn your Red Seal Endorsement, you’ll have to pass the Red Seal Exam for welders. Ashton College’s Red seal exam preparation provides you with the knowledge and confidence you need to successfully challenge the test. The course is taught by industry professionals with years of experience in welding. You can continue to work your current job as you prepare for the exam thanks to Ashton College’s LIVE Online education format. All of the exam prep classes are online and scheduled in the evening, which means you can work during the day, and study for the Red Seal exam from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere with an internet connection.

The Next Step

If you’re ready to earn more, get more out of your career, and be recognized on a national level, then it’s time for you to focus on getting your Red Seal Endorsement.  Register for Ashton College’s upcoming Red Seal Welder Exam Prep course to ensure you perform at your best on the exam day. It’s time to get your Red Seal.

 

 

 

Exclusive Opportunities for Red Seal Welders

Becoming a Red Seal welder is about more than just earning a certification. A Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) opens welders up to many opportunities that they would not otherwise have access to. A Red Seal welder exam preparation course can help you get your RSE and gain access to exciting career opportunities. There are many benefits to having your RSE as a welder, we’ve listed a few of these benefits below.

Nation-wide recognition

Red Seal welders have the opportunity to work anywhere in Canada. The Red Seal is a national standard of excellence, and this ensures that you can take your welding experience anywhere in the country and find work.

Welders without a Red Seal will not be able to pick up and move out of their current province as easy as welders with a Red Seal. Without a Red Seal, welders are subject to provincial regulations which vary from province to province. A welder without their RSE who moves from their current province may experience several setbacks on their career path as they deal with the different provincial governing bodies and their regulations. Taking a Red Seal welder exam preparation course and challenging the Red Seal exam allows welders to improve their job opportunities and validate their existing credentials. Being able to move to where the job opportunities are will always be much better than waiting for jobs to come to you.

More Industries to Enter

Welding is used in a wide variety of industries but finding work in some of those industries can be next to impossible if you’re not a Red Seal welder. Most welders can find work in manufacturing, construction, and the oil and gas sector, but some specialized industries, such as aerospace and nuclear power, require advanced credentials. Red Seal welders can find work in these industries as their RSE proves they have the skills that are needed to perform in these specialized fields. Red Seal welder exam preparation can be seen as the first step towards earning your RSE and broadening your horizons as a Red Seal welder.

Higher Positions

Without a Red Seal, welders are often stuck in the entry-level and junior positions in their field. Most senior positions in the industry list a Red Seal as a requirement and for good reason. The RSE communicates to your employer that you are proficient in your job. Furthermore, clients can be assured of high-quality labour when they hire companies and shops that have Red Seal welders overseeing operations.

Red Seal welders can earn management positions and become welding supervisors or foremen. Earning a Red Seal could also be your first step towards self-employment as a welder. A Red Seal welder can even gain access to employment opportunities that aren’t directly based in welding such as work instructing or training others. For example, Ashton College’s Red Seal welder exam preparation course is taught by instructors with years of experience in the industry. Red Seal welders have much more opportunities to choose from when it comes to career advancement and job opportunities.’

Better Pay

Red Seal welders are able to earn a better rate for their wages, even if they’re not working in senior positions. The RSE serves as proof of experience and skills and companies take that into consideration when negotiating wages. The opportunity to earn more in your current position should be more than enough reason to get started on your Red Seal welder exam preparation and earn your RSE.

Ashton College has made Red Seal welder exam challenge easy with their Live Online exam prep course. The course is offered part-time and students can access it from anywhere they have an internet connection, which makes it easy to fit into your schedule while you continue to work your full-time job. Register for the next upcoming course and gain access to the exclusive opportunities available to Red Seal welders.

What do Red Seal Carpenters do?

Carpentry is a rewarding field for those who like to work with their hands and take pride in methodically building or maintaining a variety of structures. Some carpenters are self-employed and like to combine creative expression with precise calculations to create what their clients need out of wood, wood-substitutes, and other materials. Others work for construction companies and apply specifications laid out in drawings or by a supervisor to construct or repair buildings and other structures.

A Red Seal certification is the national standard for skilled trades in Canada and applies to many trades in construction, including carpentry. While the certification isn’t mandatory, it does provide a lot of benefits and Red Seal carpenters are in high demand across the country.

A tradesperson currently pursuing an apprenticeship in carpentry may find fulfillment and increased work prospects through pursuing a Red Seal certification, with the help of the Red Seal carpenter course.

What do Red Seal Carpenters do?

Carpentry requires a number of technical skills as well as knowledge of different building techniques and materials. It also requires proficiency with various hand and power tools. That said, a carpenter’s responsibilities will vary according to the requirements of the job. Some carpenters prefer to specialize in specific types of work, such as bench work, framing, or roofing in order to hone their skills and build up recognized expertise in one or two areas.

Carpenters sometimes work alone but are typically employed in construction and work within teams. This may involve full-time employment or seasonal employment which consists of downtime where there is no work and peak periods when overtime is routinely required. Depending on the company and type of work, a carpenter may mostly work either indoors, or outdoors, or both.

A few of the duties that are typically involved in carpentry include:

- Interpreting information according to drawings or other specifications to create a component or structure

- Designing layouts according to specifications and using math to make sure different components fit together/within a space

- Choosing materials and calculating how much would be needed for a job

- Keeping track of material usage and employing different techniques to ensure resources are maximized and costly mistakes are avoided

- Cutting and shaping various materials using different hand and power tools

- Joining materials together using adhesives and fasteners such as screws, nails, and staples

- Installing interior and exterior finishes and making sure components are installed correctly as well as in the correct location

- Ensuring that work is completed accurately by regularly checking level, size, and shape against the specifications.

Carpenters can strike out on their own or take up employment with a wide range of employers, including construction firms, government agencies, property managers or developers, renovation firms, and manufacturing firms.

Essential Skills and Proficiencies in Carpentry

Carpenters are great at creating with their hands and know how to get the best out of the materials they work with. This is not limited to lumber but may include concrete, steel, and wood substitutes.

Red Seal carpenters typically possess the following skills:

- Being able to understand project specifications and blueprints and to convert project specifications into the physical structure/component

- Numeracy, including being able to calculate the volume of materials needed, the appropriate size and placement of structures, keep track of the cost of materials to fit a budget, determine the amount of time needed for a project to be completed, and more.

- Being able to make accurate measurements and keep them organized to avoid mistakes

- Can make scale drawings where needed and critically assess site data

- Knowledge of hand and power tools and the ability to handle them adeptly and for the appropriate functions

- Knowledge of proper work safety precautions and regulations

The Red Seal Carpenter Course

Carpentry is one of the 56 designated Red Seal trades. Having a Red Seal carpenter endorsement signifies that a person has achieved a nationally recognized standard of excellence in their respective trade. Some trades require a Red Seal certification (also called compulsory trades), while others, like carpentry, do not. Except for Quebec, where it is compulsory for carpenters in order to be hired or employed. However, some employers may still require the Red Seal certification before hiring an applicant regardless of the province.

After completing the Red Seal carpenter exam, a tradesperson will receive a Certificate of Qualification with a Red Seal Endorsement in the Carpenter trade. In order to be eligible for the Red Seal exam, you need to live in Canada, have a provincial or territorial certificate in your trade, and have the required documented hours of related work experience. Additional requirements may differ from one province to another.

A Red Seal carpenter  is intended for those who wish to successfully pass the exam. A number of colleges across Canada offer courses to help tradespeople pass the Red Seal exam. These courses are intended to ensure that participants meet the practical and theoretical knowledge to pass the exam through guides, preparation material, and activities.

Why Pursue a Red Seal Carpentry Exam preparation course?

Many companies seek out Red Seal carpenters because they recognize the level of skill and training this certification represents. Red Seal tradespeople enjoy the benefits of getting to work anywhere in Canada, and to apply for international job opportunities. They typically also enjoy better job and promotion opportunities, especially in construction, as well as higher wages per project or full-time.

Challenging the Red Seal exam can be stressful, and requires a lot of preparation and hard work, but it’s worth the effort to open up the wealth of additional opportunities!

How to Become a Red Seal Plumber, Red Seal Carpenter or Red Seal Electrician and Why

Are you contemplating becoming a Red Seal plumber, carpenter or electrician but aren’t sure how to go about it? Firstly, you’ll need to start by getting yourself Red Seal certified. Obtaining this certification is one of the best decisions you can ever make for your career.

In this article we explain all you need to know regarding the importance of being Red Seal certified and how you can proceed to become a certified Red Seal plumber, carpenter or electrician. 

What is a Red Seal?

A Red Seal is someone who has completed four years of training including the necessary apprenticeship in their field of interest. By undergoing this training, they’re trained to operate in hazardous conditions often associated with their artisanal trade of choice. 

The sole aim of this program is to equip you with the necessary skill, technical know-how and experience to perform your job to the best of your ability—regardless of the environment. Upon successful completion of your training program and challenging the exam, you’re awarded a Red Seal Certificate.

Benefits of Being a Red Seal

The construction industry in Canada has some of the most in-demand jobs in the country. It follows that no construction job is complete without requiring the skills of plumbers, carpenters, or electricians—oftentimes even all three on one job!

By picking one of these trades as a career, you’re guaranteed job security, the option to be your own boss and lucrative benefits. But the advantages are even better if you have a Red Seal certificate under your belt. 

You Become More Employable

Given a choice to pick between a Red Seal certified artisan and one who isn’t, employers will naturally prefer the afore mentioned. They know the level of training you go through to attain such certification, so you instantly become more appealing and valuable in their eyes.

A Higher Paycheck

Sure, you’re likely to land jobs even if you don’t have a Red Seal certificate. But the reality is that you’ll be short-changing yourself with regards to remuneration. By being a Red Seal, you instantly attract a higher salary because employers realize and appreciate your true worth.

Better Skilled to Handle Your Job

By going through the necessary Red Seal training and apprenticeship, you’re better qualified to handle your craft and perform tasks optimally. You’ll be more confident to tackle any job in your field, big or small.

Demand for Red Seal Plumbers, Carpenters and Electricians in Canada

In case you’re still sceptical about whether pursuing any of these skills is indeed favorable, maybe the following stats will help put things into perspective:

-        Plumbers: The demand for plumbers is expected to increase between 2019 and 2021. Several positions are expected to arise as a result of mass retirements in the industry.

-        Carpenters: Approximately 23,500 new job opportunities for carpenters are expected to open up between 2019 and 2028.

-        Electricians: Based on governmental stats, 5,300 new job opportunities are expected to arise for electricians in Canada between 2017 and 2027.

How to Become a Red Seal Plumber, Electrician or Carpenter

We’ve established that it’s a good idea to attain a Red Seal certificate. Ashton College is one of the institutions that can provide you a preparation course to help prepare you for the certification examination.

Qualifying Criteria

To be eligible for these courses you need to be aged 19 years or older and have a high school diploma. The duration of the courses varies depending on your preferred trade and range from nine to ten weeks. 

The RS exam can be done by someone who has completed their apprenticeship and met the practical training hours requirements. Immigrants who have received training outside of Canada and have completed the necessary hours of work experience are also eligible to challenge this exam. 

Prospects

After writing and passing your RS exam, you are now officially a Red Seal tradesperson. It’s safe to say that you’ll have more career options to pick from. You can decide to be an inspector, supervisor and end up with a managerial position as time goes on. 

Why More Tradespeople Want the Red Seal?

It’s clear that being Red Seal certified will definitely work in your favour. You’ll find that more and more tradespeople are aspiring to get the Red Seal based on the following reasons:-

Work in Any Province

Some provinces require you to be Red Seal certified before you can work. In this case, having a Red Seal certificate ceases to be an option but a necessity.

For Recognition

Tradespeople are realizing that having a Red Seal certificate gives you the recognition you deserve in your area of expertise. Your skills are not only recognized, but handsomely rewarded.

Become a Business Owner

Some people aspire to be their own boss over time. As such, they realize that by being Red Seal certified, they increase their chances of landing clients. Think of the Red Seal certificate as a badge of honour that awards you the status, respect and clientele you deserve.

Conclusion

It’s apparent that there will be an increase in job opportunities for plumbers, carpenters and electricians in Canada. But to get the job, you need to make yourself more marketable and be the employer’s first choice. 

Obtaining a Red Seal Certificate in your field of interest will give you that much needed advantage. Enrol today and become the best version of yourself career-wise.

Red Seal certification for Cooks

Red Seal certified Cooks are currently in great demand throughout Canada. WorkBC currently lists Cooks as its top demand trade for 2018-2028 with 11,490 anticipated job openings. In New Brunswick, Cooks are on the Provincial Nominee Program occupation in-demand list for those wanting to immigrate to Canada and in Newfoundland, food services has one of the largest job vacancy rates in that province. 

So why become a cook?  Cooks prepare, cook, season and prepare a wide variety of foods such as meat, fish, poultry, game, pasta, dairy products, vegetables and baked goods. They plan menus, they estimate food requirements, they estimate costs in addition to actually preparing and handling food. Their work is very varied and there are so many opportunities for growth and advancement. 

Cooks are generally employed in the hospitality industry (hotels, restaurants, cruise ships) but many other job opportunities exist in institutions (hospitals, universities, colleges, military bases). And those that choose self-employment, can look forward to an exciting career in private catering or owning their own restaurant. 

Cooks must have a good sense of creativity, be precise in their work and have a good memory for details. Working daily with recipes, they must be able to remember ingredients, quantities, cooking times, serving portions etc. Very often cooks are called upon to create special recipes for those who have allergies and special dietary requirements. Being a cook also means that you are often working with a team of others so good communication skills are very important. 

Qualifying as a cook can be the start of a very exciting lifetime career with many opportunities for advancement including becoming an executive chef, a banquet manager, general food manager and even opening your own restaurant. 

Qualifying as a Red Seal Cook will add greater value to your provincial Cook certification. Very often employers will advertise specifically for Red Seal Cooks and Chef. Becoming a Red Seal Cook will also add prestige to your qualification. 

The Red Seal Program sets common standards of trades skills across Canada. Tradespeople who have successfully passed a Red Seal examination qualify to have their provincial or territorial trade certificate endorsed with a Red Seal endorsement. This demonstrates to employers that the tradesperson has reached the national standard for that trade. Red Seal tradespeople can work throughout Canada and can usually expect to receive higher compensation. 

The Red Seal Cook examination is based on the National Occupational Analysis for that trade. The analysis is divided into main areas or blocks and each block is divided into tasks and sub-tasks. There are 12 main areas or blocks with a total of 150 multiple choice questions on the examination. Preparing to take the examination is highly recommended especially if you have not completed an apprenticeship program or do not hold a provincial or territorial certificate of qualification. Tradespeople who have gained their knowledge and experience in countries outside Canada and those who have not studied for a while are especially advised to attend an examination preparation course with a qualified Red Seal tradesperson. Cook Red Seal exam prep course will help students become familiar with the format of the exam; the types of questions that they can anticipate and clarify examination material content. 

Plan to become a red seal cook today! You will not regret it.