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.
