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. 

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.