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Carpenter

Carpenter

carpenter working in shop
Construction Oil and Gas Maritime Manufacturing Forestry Mining Transportation & Transit
19-37
Red Seal
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to read blueprints and follow building codes 
  • How to use construction hand and power tools 
  • How to measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials on site 
  • How to build foundations, install floors, sub-flooring, walls and roofs 
  • How to install doors, stairs, moulding and hardware 

Carpenters build the world around us, from our homes, city centres, and more. They are collaborative and enjoy physical and precise work—as well as the reward of seeing their projects materialize. 

As a Carpenter, you’ll work on a wide range of projects, from furnishings to skyscrapers, mastering numerous materials. While you’re a builder, you’ll take satisfaction in the challenging physical and mathematical nature of the work.  

You can work for construction companies, in maintenance departments, or for yourself, often working as part of a team of trade professionals on the job site.  

28.00
4.00
Training Hours
6360
True

Program Updates:

  • February 2024: Carpenter Standardized Level Exams on-hold pending alignment to the 2024 Carpenter Program Outline and 2024 British Columbia Building Code. Please see this Program Update for details.

  • November 2022: For more information regarding transition, please see the Program Update

  • March 2023: OPSN-2022-015.1 (Revised Implementation Date)

  • November 2022: Program Update (Competency Migration Chart)

  • August 2022: OPSN 2022-015 (Updated Program Profile and Program Outline)

  • March 2022: All Current (pre-harmonized) levels have been phased out. Apprentices who have completed Current Level 2 (CL2) or Current Level 3 (CL3) and are interested in registering for Harmonized Level 3 (HL3) or Harmonized Level 4 (HL4) of training are asked to contact their Apprenticeship Advisor before registering to discuss potential gaps in their training. Please see the Transition Update or the Transition Plan for details. 

  • OPSN Archives

Harmonized (2024) Program

Information & resources

In effect starting April 1, 2024

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Carpenters build and repair a vast array of structures made of wood, wood-substitutes and other materials. Many works for construction companies, contractors and maintenance departments, while others are self-employed. They assemble and erect forms for concrete, wood and metal frame construction and use plans and instruments to prepare for excavating and shoring. On smaller projects, they direct concrete placement and install exterior and interior finish materials such as siding, doors, windows and cabinets.

View Program Profile

Exam Information

AND RESOURCES

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • February 2024: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2022 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2013 NOA and 2022 RSOS can be found here. 

Information:

Challenge the 

trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Critical thinking and coordination  
  • Hand and power tool operation 
  • Construction site layout 
  • Formwork and framing 
  • Finishing materials  
Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Cabinetmaker

Cabinetmaker

person measuring wood with measuring tape and pencil
Construction Maritime Manufacturing
18-32
Red Seal
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to interpret architectural drawings  
  • How to use woodworking machines and hand tools  
  • How to build, repair and re-style wooden furniture, cabinets, and fixtures  
  • How to sand surfaces and apply veneer and stain  
  • How to calculate dimensions and estimate materials and costs  

Cabinetmakers, also known as Joiners, are creative builders who turn natural materials into finished products. They enjoy working with others to develop beautiful and functional furnishings.  

As a Cabinetmaker, you’ll draw on your math skills and creativity to develop products that are not only functional, but also reflect your signature style. You’ll enjoy the physical challenge of working with wood and becoming deeply familiar with the different materials and tools at your disposal.   

You might find yourself in a workshop alongside other Cabinetmakers, or on a construction site.

24.00
4.00
Training Hours
6480
False

Program Updates:

Harmonized Program

Information & resources

In effect starting September 1, 2023

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Cabinetmakers, also known as Joiners, build, repair and re-style wooden furniture, cabinets, fixtures and other products. They use architectural drawings, and they often operate woodworking machines to cut and form parts, which they then assemble into finished products. Preparation of cost estimates is often a key skill and responsibility for Cabinetmakers. Some specialize in custom-made furniture, while many work in the construction industry. Increasingly, Cabinetmakers are tasked with installing pre-manufactured cabinets and fixtures. 

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Exam Information

AND RESOURCES

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

  • To be implemented.

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • October 2023: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2021 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2012 NOA and 2021 RSOS can be found here.

Information:

Program Information

Pre-Harmonization Program Information

Challenge the

trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Active listening and monitoring 
  • Operating woodworking machines and hand tools 
  • Product assembly and construction 
  • Preparing cost estimates 
  • Finish application  
Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Bricklayer

Bricklayer

Construction
24-44
Red Seal
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to read blueprints and calculate required materials 
  • How to cut and trim bricks to specification using hand and power tools 
  • How to prepare and lay bricks and other materials 
  • How to construct and install prefabricated masonry  
  • How to restore and repair existing masonry 

Bricklayers build the sturdy and beautiful masonry that has made up our homes and buildings for centuries. They are tradespeople who enjoy the physical challenge of their job, as well as the artistry.

As a Bricklayer, you’ll enjoy working with your hands as you carefully cut and install brick, stone and other materials.  

Your precise and mathematical nature ensures you can make these materials work in many settings. Your physical dexterity keeps you on track, as you manage tasks that range from simple structures to elaborate buildings. You’ll also appreciate the creative side of your work.

18.00
3.00
Training Hours
4860
False

Program Updates and Practical Assessments Info

Program Updates

Practical Assessment Information

In addition to the written examinations, candidates are required to undertake a practical assessment at each level. Details of the assessment criteria are contained below. 

Please note that there is a fee attached to the practical assessment which is set by the assessment agency and will be approximately $500. 

To book a practical assessment, contact Trowel Trades Association at: Phone: 604-580-2463 Toll Free: 1-844-480-2463

Program Information

and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Bricklayers build and repair walls, floors, arches, pavings, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, smokestacks, furnaces, kilns and other structures. They work with materials such as brick, natural stone, manufactured stone, tiles, precast masonry panels, glass blocks, concrete blocks, lightweight insulated panels, other masonry units, insulation and membranes. They erect, install, maintain, repair and alter various masonry structures, which vary in complexity from a simple masonry walkway to an ornate exterior on a multi-level building. 

View Program Profile

Exam Information

and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

Information:

Updates:

Information:

Updates:

Updates:

October 2023: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2021 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2015 NOA and 2021 RSOS can be found here. 

Information:

Challenge the

trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Critical thinking and coordination 
  • Time management  
  • Physical fitness 
  • Blueprint interpretation 
  • Masonry tools and materials 
Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

Boilermaker Endorsement: Marine Fitter

Boilermaker Endorsement: 

Marine Fitter

Maritime Construction
35-51
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to read ship drawings 
  • How to lay out and mark bending and cutting lines on plate and sheet steel  
  • How to set up heavy metal working machines 
  • How to fit metal parts and other components  
  • How to construct and repair ship structures 

Marine Fitters are precise and collaborative tradespeople whose expert work with metal and other components are essential to the creation and repair of the ships that transport people and goods.  

As a Marine Fitter, you’ll play an important role creating and repairing the many vessels that navigate our world.  

Drawing on your math skills and precision, you’ll build, maintain and repair everything from small boats to ocean liners. You’ll enjoy the collaborative nature of this career, which interacts with a large range of tradespeople.  

  

8.00
2.00
Training Hours
2460
False

Program Updates

  • December 2017: SkilledTradesBC has launched a program for Boilermaker Endorsement: Marine Fitter. For details refer to OPSN 2017 021.

Program Information

Exam Information

And Resources

 

Endorsement Exam

 

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Challenge the

Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Critical thinking 
  • Problem solving 
  • Work health and safety  
  • Metal installation and repairs 
  • Equipment operation 

 

Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Boilermaker

Boilermaker

Construction Oil and Gas Manufacturing Maritime Forestry
38-53
Red Seal
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to read blueprints and specifications 
  • How to lay out and mark bending and cutting lines on plate and sheet steel  
  • How to set up heavy metal working machines 
  • How to fit and weld metal parts  
  • How to erect, install and repair boilers and other products  

Boilermakers are attentive and precise tradespeople who create and maintain the structures that heat, store and transfer essential resources. They possess a wide range of skills to fit a unique role. 

As a Boilermaker you’ll make, test and repair a wide range of items—from boilers to vessels, heat exchangers and other heavy-metal structures.  

You’ll bring a diverse skillset to each task, as you weld, fit, repair and install boilers and other products. This will require you to draw on your precise nature, strong math skills and creativity as you work out blueprints and specifications.  

15.00
3.00
Training Hours
4950
False

Program Updates

Program Information

and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Boilermakers possess the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to fabricate, construct, install, assemble, erect, demolish, repair and maintain a wide variety of vessels, tanks, towers, boilers, hoists and other structures, ancillary equipment & fixtures made of steel, fiberglass, and other materials. The broad scope of the Boilermaker trade includes the construction & maintenance activities performed in the field and in industrial and commercial plants

View Profile

Exam Information

And Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

This program does not have a Standardized Level Exam for Level 1.

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Challenge the

Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Critical thinking 
  • Problem solving 
  • Metal fabrication 
  • Boiler construction, installation and repairs 
  • Equipment operation 
Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Welder

Welder

tradeworker
Construction Maritime Mining Forestry Manufacturing
20-45
Red Seal
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to perform basic trade-related mathematical calculations 
  • How to use automatic and semi-automatic cutting machines 
  • How to read and interpret welding drawings 
  • How to perform welding inspections and testing procedures 
  • How to perform a range of welding techniques 

Welders are precise and physical individuals who enjoy the challenge of working with intense focus and hot temperatures. They are the masters of metal, fusing metals into all positions.

As a Welder, you’ll get to meld, attach and affix pieces of metal together with precision, watching objects come to life in your hands.  

You’ll learn how to use a variety of manual and computerized equipment. As you progress, your opportunities will open up pathways to become an expert in areas such as pressure welding, custom fabrication—and more.  

26.00
3.00
Training Hours
4620
True

Program Updates

Certified welders may apply to Technical Safety BC for their pressure welder certificate of qualification, provided they meet eligibility criteria and pass the standardized certification exam. Once certified as pressure welders, individuals must complete additional performance qualification test(s) in accordance with any registered welding procedure specification in order to perform pressure welding in BC.

 

Program Updates

Optional Endorsement

The Welder Endorsement - Multi-Process Alloy Welding enables a welder to weld specialized alloys, by any manual welding process, in any position, and such other work as is usually done by a Red Seal Certified Welder.

To register for this program you must hold either a Welder – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement OR a Welder B – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement.

Learn more about the MPAW Endorsement.

Program Information

and Resources

Exam Information

AND RESOURCES

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Challenge the

TRADE

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Precision 
  • Coordination 
  • Basic drafting 
  • Basic metallurgy 
  • Specialized tools and equipment 
Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

Welder Endorsement: Multi-Process Alloy Welding (MPAW)

Welder Endorsement:

Multi-Process Alloy Welding (MPAW) 

An Indigenous tradeworker working in a shop.
Manufacturing Construction Maritime Forestry
22-45
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to describe and identify specialized welding processes 
  • How to interpret and apply mechanical drawings and layout components 
  • How to fabricate weldments 
  • How to use the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process on low-carbon steel plate and pipe and stainless steel  
  • How to use the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process for stainless steel 

Multi-Process Alloy Welders combine the skills all welders learn to master and then pushing them to the next level with expertise in specialized alloys and welding processes. 

As a Multi-Process Alloy Welder (MPAW), you’ll enjoy the challenge that comes with taking your welding skills to the next level.  

You’ll test your precision and coordination, as you learn to master specialized welding techniques. Identifying these next-level skills and the types of metals they work with will require focus, and collaboration as you work out the best solution for each task. 

5.00
1.00
Training Hours
900
False

Program Updates

  • March 31, 2017: OPSN 2016 014 (New Program Outline in effect)
    Note: Changes to the Welder program have impacted MPAW endorsement training content. Please refer to the Outline review details attached to the OPSN.

Exam Resources

To register for this program, you must hold either a Welder – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement or a Welder B – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement. This advanced level of training will appear as an endorsement on the original Welder Certificate of Qualification. 

For more information on the Welder program please refer to the Welder program page.

Program Information

Challenge the

trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Precision 
  • Coordination 
  • Basic Metallurgy 
  • Weldment fabrication 
  • Specialized welding processes 
Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Architectural Sheet Metal Worker

Architectural

Sheet Metal Worker 

woman
Construction
20-42
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to use tools, scaffolds, ladders and platforms 
  • How to use fasteners and sealants  
  • How to interpret drawings and specifications  
  • How to identify metals, support structures and building systems  
  • How to install and repair metal  

Architectural Sheet Metal Workers shape and install the metal that makes up the buildings around us. They are creative problem-solvers, supporting complex systems that keep things running smoothly. 

As an Architectural Sheet Metal Worker, you’ll get to build complex and satisfying systems that provide an essential function for the buildings around them.  

Working collaboratively with other tradespeople, you’ll find yourself on large commercial and industrial sites or residential areas, where you’ll mix mathematics, problem-solving and physical activity to complete each task.  

18.00
3.00
Training Hours
4800
False

Program Updates

Program 

Information 

Exam Information

AND RESOURCES

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Information:

Information:

Information:

Challenge the

Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Math 
  • Problem-solving 
  • Welding and soldering 
  • Metal fabricating and installation 
  • Building system identification 

 

Certification challenge only trade
1

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

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