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. 

Benefits of Red Seal certification for automotive services technicians

Tradespeople can take many different paths into their professional field. Some of them complete formal education and go through apprenticeship programs. Others start working right away under the guidance of their mentors. There are also people who come to Canada with foreign training and experience. Regardless of the route you’re taking, at some point of your career you may want to consider pursuing Red Seal certification for automotive technicians due to a number of benefits it can give you.   

Red Seal program, the former Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, sets the national standards in 55 different trades and serves as an official endorsement that your knowledge and skills meet the industry requirements. Red Seal for automotive technicians is not mandatory in most of the provinces and territories in Canada, with the exception of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Ontario. However, obtaining this qualification can benefit your career in many ways.

1.       Red Seal certification offers you flexibility.

If you choose to become an automotive mechanic in a certain province or territory in Canada, you will need to undergo training, complete an apprenticeship and then sit for exams with your local regulatory body or industry training authority. This will enable you to obtain an official professional certification in your trade. This qualification will permit you to work as an automotive services mechanic in a province you got certified in, however, you will not be able to do so in other parts of Canada, since each of them have their own designation process.

The advantage of the Red Seal program is that it is regulated by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) whose goal is to unify the trade standards all across Canada. As a result, Red Seal for automotive technicians, as well as many other trades, is recognized in all the provinces and territories of the country. This greatly increases your career opportunities and enables you to move all over the country. You can choose the place you’d like to live in based on your personal preferences and you won’t have to worry about being able to work there. Or you can move specifically to a province with more job openings in your filed and better pay.

2.       Red Seal contributes to your career advancement.

Even if you are happy to stay where you are and don’t want to move to another province, Red Seal certification for automotive technicians can still be beneficial for your career. This qualification is the gold standard for the tradespeople and is regarded by the employers as a validation of your qualification. With high competition you may be considered for a job ahead of your rivals. The same goes with promotion and career advancement opportunities. In general, Red Seal endorsement has proven to give access to more senior and lucrative jobs.

If you operate your own garage and don’t really depend on an employer to assess your skills, think about your clients. The title “Red Seal certified” will add more credibility to your business and will lure more customers who would want to entrust their vehicles to a qualified professional. This again can be your competitive advantage over other mechanics who don’t have a Red Seal endorsement. In addition to that you might find other employees and apprentices to help you in response to the training you will be providing to them on the job.

3.       Red Seal can give you a sense of accomplishment.  

Getting Red Seal for automotive technician will serve as a formal recognition of your skills and experience. The Red Seal program has strict guidelines for the prerequisites the candidates should have. You can qualify for the endorsement only after you have accumulated 9,720 documented hours of work experience meaning that only those who have been in the industry for years can obtain it. This is why Red Seal is trusted by trades professionals and employers all over the country.

Another important factor is that Red Seal certification cannot be just provided to you. First, you need to meet certain criteria to qualify for an exam, such as the number of hours of experience mentioned above. Second, you need to challenge the exam and actually prove that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills and can apply them in real-life situations. Obtaining Red Seal certification for automotive technicians will prove your potential employers and/or clients that the vehicles you will deal with are in good hands.  

Qualities to Help You Pass the Red Seal Plumber Exam

The plumbing trade is filled with many individuals who are extremely skilled in their job and have been working in it for a number of years. If this is you, you’ll want to look into becoming Red Seal certified by completing the Red Seal Plumber Exam challenge. Red Seal certification is proof that you have the knowledge and skills to work at your trade at an advanced level that meets the trade standards across the country. Chances are, you’re already at that advanced level, you’ve just not yet taken the time to become Red Seal certified.

Alternatively, you may be a plumber who had immigrated to Canada with the advanced skills but found that any certifications or qualifications you had in your home country weren’t transferable when you came to Canada. Both of these situations happen regularly in the plumbing trade, and for those reasons, there are ways to become Red Seal certified without having to undergo the apprentice process. When a plumber has the required number of hours working in the trade and goes straight to taking the Red Seal exam, this is called the Red Seal Plumber Exam challenge. If you complete the exam and follow the steps outlined by the Red Seal program, you will become Red Seal certified.

This certification is an excellent addition to your skills and qualifications because taking the Red Seal Plumber Exam challenge and becoming certified ensures you are nationally-recognized for your plumbing skills by both the trades themselves and consumers.

Red Seal Plumber Exam Challenge Preparation

When you think it’s time to challenge the Red Seal exam, take a moment to think about your time and availability. While you may feel you’re ready to become certified, you need to be honest with yourself about your ability to study for the plumbing exam. The truth is that working as a plumber isn’t quite the same as explaining what you do and how you do it.

The Red Seal Plumber Exam challenge requires you to explain the skills of the trade; there is no physical practice of plumbing on the exam, it is a multiple-choice question and answer exam. Therefore, if you are new to living in Canada and are still getting settled and comfortable in your community, it may not be the right time to write the exam because you may lack enough time to study. Alternatively, if you are working as a plumber every day and commute long distances, that may prevent you from putting in the study time that you require. There are many life situations that would keep you from having the study time you need, so it’s important to be honest with yourself about your ability to prepare for the exam right now.

If you have time to study, but are lacking in focus or don’t know where to begin, you may want to look into a plumbing program designed to help you with the Red Seal Plumbing Exam challenge preparation. These courses are often delivered online, so they offer the flexibility of studying with others and learning from an instructor anywhere you have a computer, microphone, camera and internet connection. Red seal exam preparation doesn’t need to be overwhelming either. It requires a regular, ongoing time commitment and dedication, but the information will be about things you are familiar with and applicable as you work in your trade.

Visit the Red Seal site’s preparation guide section for more information on what you need to study or contact a local school that offers Red Seal a plumbing program for exam preparation to find out if a prep course is right for you. Registering for the exam is done through your provincial or territorial certification body. When you contact them to register for the Red Seal challenge exam, (find your region’s authority here) ask what specific criteria is required for a plumber in your region to challenge the exam as they will have the most up-to-date information on what experience and number of applicable work hours are required.

Skills to Help You Pass the Red Seal Plumber Exam Challenge

While the exam doesn’t include any “hands-on” plumbing work, you will need to fully understand the skills and practices required for all aspects of the trade to successfully pass the Red Seal Plumber Exam. There are several skills that are both beneficial for the job and will help you pass the exam:

-          Problem-solving skills. Like in any trade, there are standards to be followed and codes to be adhered to. A good plumber can review the job, assess what needs to be done, consider the options, choose the best one and do the work while adhering to codes and standards. Being able to think fast while being accurate and efficient is key. These same assessments and practice skills will allow you to think through the multiple-choice questions on the exam and come up with the right answer similarly to being on a job site.

-          Knowing the right tools to do the job. Similar to problem-solving, plumbers know which tool will do the job the most efficiently. No one wants to see a plumber bashing away at a pipe with a hammer when they should be using a pipe cutter or torch. The exam will require you to have a full understanding of your tools and when they are the right choice.

-          Communication skills. While the exam is multiple-choice, knowing how to make decisions fast, troubleshoot and explain situations will help you review questions and select the right answer.

Many plumbers working today have all the skills they need to become Red Seal certified. It will require some studying and conscious preparation, but the results will lead to a nationally-recognized certification of your abilities.

How to Pass the Red Seal Challenge Exam

You have expertise in your trade, but do you have the knowledge to pass your Red Seal challenge exam? Theory and application can be quite different when it comes to testing versus hands-on work and sometimes, very skilled and qualified tradespeople are surprised when they don’t do as well on their Red Seal challenge exam as they’d hoped. While having the hands-on skills is the point of the Red Seal certification, knowing the theory behind those skills is essential to successfully completing and passing the exam.

Before taking the exam, you must prove your eligibility. This includes a minimum number of hours of trade-specific work experience, experience in the full-scope of the trade and any other requirements based on your specific trade. You will need to apply to challenge the exam as well as providing relevant apprenticeship information. Once approved, you can book your exam time and get ready to take it.

Red Seal challenge exams range between 100 and 150 multiple-choice questions depending upon the trade and are four hours in length. To pass, you must achieve 70% or more.

How to Prepare for a Red Seal Challenge Exam

If you’ve decided it’s time to take the Red Seal challenge exam for your trade, you can prepare in a number of ways. You might start by asking your Red Seal certified colleagues how they prepared for their exam, what their results were and what they would do the same way or differently. But do keep in mind that everyone learns in different ways. What may have worked for one individual may not be the best way for you to prepare. Some people need more structure around their education while others are good at pushing themselves to do the studying and preparation required on their own.

Red Seal Challenge Exam Preparation Courses

For those who require more structure and time blocked off in order to prepare for their exam, a Red Seal challenge preparation course may be the best way to establish a study routine and practice. Depending upon the school you choose to help you with your studies, you may find prep courses in person or online. Online courses offer the greatest flexibility of course and that’s ideal for someone who is working in the trade during the day and studying at night, on weekends or during breaks. Not to mention the fact that you will be able to continue attending course sessions from anywhere that offers an internet connection as long as you have a camera and microphone-enabled computer.

When considering a prep course for the Red Seal challenge exam, look for one that is taught by those who have earned their Red Seal certification and understand the trade as well as the need to prepare for the exam in order to the pass. You’ll also want to know that the course includes practice exams so that you have a feel for the questions and flow of the exam and won’t be surprised when it’s time to write it. Additionally, look for a school that offers ways to ask questions and get instruction on the areas you specifically need help with. There is no point in taking a one-way class where the instructor forces information on you without learning where you need more help! You’ll want to be able to ask for assistance in the areas that are giving you trouble as you review the information required for the exam.

Another point to consider is to look for courses and instructors that understand a variety of teaching methods – as mentioned, everyone learns differently – so that there are a range of tools and tips you can try during your studying process to determine what works best for you.

Red Seal Exam Preparation Guides

While preparation courses are likely to offer exam guides, you don’t need to take a course to access these materials. If you feel confident in studying on your own without an instructor, you can download the PDF version of the guide from the Red Seal program website at http://www.red-seal.ca/resources/g.2tr.2.1dy-eng.html. The guide is much more than just study material. It outlines the steps needed prior to applying to challenge the exam, special considerations when registering for the exam and preparation tips. It also explains how to find the breakdown of the exam’s focus and how to determine the approximate number of questions in each area of the trade. You’ll also find information about how the exam works, sample study plans and more within the study guide.

Get to Know the NOA for your Trade

Within the guide and the main part of preparation courses will focus on the NOA (National Occupation Analysis) for your specific trade. The NOA is really a study guide in itself and can be found on the Red Seal site within each specific trade. For example, the NOA for an Agricultural Equipment Technician can be viewed at http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/agriequiptech/2012n.4.1_.4v.2rv.3.2w-eng.html. Within the NOA are sub-tasks of your trade and these are what the exam questions are based on. Sub-task sections explain the functions to be performed by a trade and the skills needed to be competent at that trade.

Talk to Others in the Trade

At the end of each NOA is a task profile chart that shows all the tasks and sub-tasks needed for a trade. This can be used to do a check of your own skills. Which tasks and sub-tasks do you feel you know well? Which would you need to know more about in order to explain them to someone else? Use the areas that you can’t confidently talk about and explain to identify areas where you need more study time. Talk to your boss, review the NOA and ask colleagues to help you better understand those sections or consider taking a prep course to ensure those weaker spots become strengths you are confident with.

Take Sample Tests

The Red Seal site and preparation courses offer sample tests. These are one of the most valuable study resources because they give you a real-life idea of how the test will flow and what you can expect.

If earning your Red Seal certification is important to you, you’ll want to get to know the NOA for your trade and start studying before you even apply to challenge the exam. Make studying a priority and talk to others about their study methods.

Red Seal Certification for Heavy Equipment Operators (Dozer)

Heavy equipment operators (dozer) operate dozers and are employed by a variety of employers, including construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, public works departments, pipeline, mining, oil, and other industries. Dozers are used in various types of projects such as road construction and maintenance, the building of bridges, airports, pipelines, tunnels, in mining, quarrying, clearing land, earth moving, amongst other projects. The technicians are specialists in operating, inspecting, and maintaining this equipment.   

What is Red Seal?

Administered by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA), the Red Seal program is the national standard of excellence for skilled trades in Canada. Tradespersons who successfully pass the Red Seal examination, receive a Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) on their provincial/territorial trade certificate. This endorsement demonstrates that the tradesperson has all the skills, competence and knowledge to practise their trade anywhere across Canada without need for any further examination. In this blog, we will talk about how heavy equipment operators (dozer) can get their RSE.

The Benefits of a Red Seal Certification

As a heavy equipment operator (dozer), when you get a Red Seal Endorsement, it provides confidence and assurance to employers and your clients that you’re a skilled and competent journeyperson. The endorsement also brings a lot of respect and admiration from the industry.

If you’re new to Canada and have extensive experience in operating heavy equipment (dozers) in your origin country, getting the RSE can help you get the job opportunities and income you deserve.

How to Get the Red Seal Certification for Heavy Equipment Operators (Dozer)

There are many ways you can achieve the Red Seal certification for your trade, which is a designated Red Seal trade in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Here, we will discuss how you can challenge the Red Seal Exam. 

Challenger: If you’re an experienced tradesperson living in Canada but were never certified, or are a recent immigrant with extensive trade experience in your home country, you can challenge the interprovincial Red Seal exam in the Heavy EquipmentOperator (Dozer) trade. If you’re approved by the ITA to challenge the exam and successfully pass the exam, you will be granted the Certificate of Qualification with a Red Seal Endorsement in your trade.

About the Read Seal Exam

1. The exam contains 100 to 150 multiple choice questions per exam, depending on the trade.

2. You will be tested on your trade knowledge, skills and abilities as listed in the National Occupation Analysis for your trade. The exam questions are based on the NOA sub-tasks.

3. The maximum time allowed to complete the exam is 4 hours, and the pass mark is 70%.

4. Things you can bring to the Examination: Government-issued photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license and the examination confirmation letter. Like most professional and academic exams, you won’t be able to carry any personal items such as bags, cell phones, or any other type of electronic devices.

Preparing for the Red Seal Exam

Know the format of the exam

The more you learn about the format of the Red Seal exams, the better your chances of success. You can familiarize yourself with the structure and format by completing sample tests that maybe available online.

Language training

If English or French is not your first language, you may want to take some language training to be better prepared for your exam.

Join an exam prep course 

Prep courses are a great way to gain the confidence to tackle the Red Seal exam. Faculty who teach these programs are skilled, qualified red-seal certified professionals, having passed the exam themselves and therefore, understand the common challenges students face. 

If you’re ready to challenge the Red Seal exam, complete the Challenge Application and submit it to ITA. Your application will be assessed for proof and scope of experience before it is approved.

Good luck with your exam.