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 has been 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. Now, the trades that have been harmonized cover 99% of apprentices outside Quebec.

To create greater consistency and efficiencies, consultations about harmonization are now held alongside the regular updates of each trade’s RSOS Red Seal Occupational Standard. This helps to maintain consistency in programs, allows adequate time for training institutions to implement, and ensures that all provincial/territorial apprenticeship programs remained substantively aligned.

The trades that have been harmonized over the course of this initiative , are listed below, by the phase and dates in which they were targeted to be implemented.

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

Phase 10 (target for implementation - September 2025):

• Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
• Construction Craft Worker
• Ironworker (Generalist) (Review)
• Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) (Review)
• Ironworker (Reinforcing) (Review)
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Review)

Phase 11 (target for implementation - September 2026):

• Boilermaker (Review)
• Oil Heat System Technician
• Sprinkler Fitter (Review)
• Landscape Horticulturist (Review)
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) (Review)

Going Forward

Now that almost all Red Seal trades have been harmonized, work will continue to make sure apprenticeship training gets updated to meet current industry needs, and that improvements that training providers propose to what has already been harmonized can be addressed. This will make sure that apprentices are provided excellent training wherever they live in Canada.

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.