Harmonization

The Harmonization Initiative ^{Footnote *} was launched in 2013 to substantively align apprenticeship systems across Canada by making training requirements more consistent in the Red Seal trades. Harmonization aims to improve the mobility of apprentices, support an increase in their completion rates and enable employers to access a larger pool of apprentices.

As part of this work, the Canadian Council of the Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) identified four main harmonization priorities in consultation with industry and training stakeholders:

• Use of Red Seal trade name
• Consistent total training hours (in-school and on-the-job)
• Same number of training levels
• Consistent sequencing of training content (at each training level) using the most recent Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)

How is Harmonization Progressing?

Harmonization is being carried out in phases, with certain trades targeted each year. At the outset, the initiative prioritized the Red Seal trades that have a high volume of apprentices registered in training to maximize benefits. This helped to achieve harmonization in programs for over 90% of apprentices (outside Quebec) by 2020.

There have been many changes to how harmonization is being achieved. To create greater consistency and efficiencies, discussions about harmonization are held alongside the development of trade’s RSOS. This helps to maintain consistency in programs and ensures that over time, all Red Seal trades’ apprenticeship programs will be harmonized.

The trades, divided by phases and target dates, are listed below.

Phase 1 (target for implementation - September 2016):

• Carpenter
• Welder
• Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
• Ironworker (Generalist)
• Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)
• Ironworker (Reinforcing)
• Mobile Crane Operator
• Tower Crane Operator

Phase 2 (target for implementation - September 2017):

• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
• Automotive Service Technician
• Truck and Transport Mechanic
• Agricultural Equipment Technician
• Construction Electrician
• Industrial Electrician
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
• Plumber
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Phase 3 (target for implementation - September 2018):

• Boilermaker
• Sprinkler Fitter
• Concrete Finisher
• Landscape Horticulturist
• Sheet Metal Worker

Phase 4 (target for implementation - September 2019):

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Insulator (Heat and Frost)
• Machinist
• Tool and Die Maker

Phase 5 (target for implementation - September 2020):

• Cook
• Powerline Technician
• Auto Body and Collision Technician (formerly Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint))
• Automotive Refinishing Technician (formerly Automotive Painter)
• Hairstylist

Phase 6 (target for implementation - September 2021):

• Bricklayer
• Glazier
• Instrumentation and Control Technician
• Parts Technician (formerly Partsperson)
• Roofer
• Motorcycle Technician (formerly Motorcycle Mechanic)

Phase 7 (target for implementation - September 2022):

• Cabinetmaker
• Recreation Vehicle Service Technician
• Carpenter (Review)
• Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)
• Construction Electrician (Review)
• Industrial Electrician (Review)
• Metal Fabricator (Fitter) (Review)
• Mobile Crane Operator (Review)
• Agricultural Equipment Technician (Review)

Phase 8 (target for implementation - September 2023):

• Painter and Decorator
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Review)
• Plumber (Review)
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Review)
• Truck and Transport Mechanic (Review)
• Transport Trailer Technician

Phase 9 (target for implementation - September 2024):

• Baker
• Welder (Review)
• Automotive Service Technician (Review)
• Floorcovering Installer
• Tower Crane Operator (Review)
• Tilesetter

How can I get involved?

A consensus-based approach is used to reach agreement on decisions related to harmonization based on consultations with industry and training representatives.

The process to harmonize a trade requires the engagement of industry experts from jurisdictions across Canada who participate in pan-Canadian consultations to discuss their requirements, explain their apprenticeship systems, and better understand the differences in training between jurisdictions. The process ensures a high quality of training is maintained.

Consultations are coordinated by provincial/territorial apprenticeship authorities.

You can express your interest to take part in harmonization consultations by contacting your apprenticeship authority at http://www.red-seal.ca/contact/c.4nt.1ct-eng.html.