The CCDA Announce Progress to the Harmonization Initiative

Red Seal

September 21, 2017

Since the Forum of Labour Market Ministers (FLMM) announced its strategic plan to harmonize 30 Red Seal trades in most jurisdictions by 2020, with an effort to harmonize training for two-thirds of Red Seal apprentices by 2017, the CCDA has made great progress.

The CCDA is proud to announce that the goal of harmonizing training for two-thirds of Red Seal apprentices by 2017 was met. Strong momentum and collaboration with industry across the country has resulted in the implementation of nine trades in most jurisdictions in September 2016, as well as in the implementation of nine additional trades in most jurisdictions in September 2017.

Work is also well underway to harmonize the next set of five trades by September 2018.
The CCDA would like to commend the strong collaboration between industry, training stakeholders and apprenticeship authorities who make the harmonization of apprenticeship training possible.

The list of Red Seal trades harmonized, and those that are upcoming are listed below:

Phase 1 – Implemented in most jurisdictions in September 2016
• Carpenter
• Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
• Welder
• Ironworker (Generalist)
• Ironworker (Reinforcing)
• Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)
• Mobile Crane Operator and Mobile Crane Operator (Hydraulic)*
• Tower Crane Operator

Phase 2 – Implemented in most jurisdictions in September 2017
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
• Truck and Transport Mechanic
• Agricultural Equipment Technician
• Construction Electrician
• Industrial Electrician
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
• Automotive Service Technician
• Plumber
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Phase 3 – Implementation planned for September 2018
• Boilermaker
• Sprinkler Fitter (formerly known as Sprinkler System Installer)
• Concrete Finisher
• Landscape Horticulturist
• Sheet Metal Worker

Phase 4 – Implementation planned for September 2019
• Rig Technician
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Insulator (Heat and Frost)
• Machinist
• Tool and Die Maker

Phase 5 – Implementation planned for September 2020
• Cook
• Powerline Technician
• Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint)
• Automotive Painter
• Hairstylist
* The CCDA approved industry’s request to support only one Red Seal Mobile Crane Operator trade which incorporates hydraulic telescopic, hydraulically driven lattice boom and friction driven lattice boom cranes.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Driivz: 2025 State of EV Charging Network Operators Report

    Driivz: 2025 State of EV Charging Network Operators Report

    May 19, 2025 As the EV charging industry is poised for profitability, network operators still face many challenges. But what are their biggest challenges, are they ready to scale up to support their business growth, and how will they provide drivers with a better charging experience in 2025. This report answers these questions and more,… Read More…

  • Electri International: Understanding, Identifying, and Measuring Rework

    Electri International: Understanding, Identifying, and Measuring Rework

    May 19, 2025 ELECTRI has sponsored a research project to create a playbook for electrical contractors that will help you: Unpaid rework refers to activities in the field (including prefabrication) that have to be done more than once, or activities that remove work previously installed as part of the project, where no change order has… Read More…

  • Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    May 19, 2025 By David Gordon, Channel Marketing Group, President The Intermatic deal is done. It has been rumored for months that Intermatic was being sold. Strategic buyers and private equity firms were mentioned as expressing interest and reviewing “the book” throughout the fall (and some mentioned even last summer.) According to sources, it was a “challenge” for… Read More…

  • 6 Things Contractors Need To Know About the Security Kit for Wire Mesh Tray

    6 Things Contractors Need To Know About the Security Kit for Wire Mesh Tray

    May 19, 2025 The rapid expansion of data centers has brought about significant challenges in maintaining data security standards. According to Statistics Canada, recovery costs from cyber security incidents in 2023 were $2.1 billion, up from $600 million in 2021. This critical situation requires a more robust cable management design to protect data from being… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Schneider Electric Canada Named One of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2025

    Schneider Electric Canada Named One of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2025

    May 19, 2025 Schneider Electric Canada has been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2025 by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, a prestigious honour celebrating organizations that lead the country in creating a culture of environmental sustainability. This recognition highlights Schneider Electric’s long-standing commitment to advancing climate action, driving… Read More…

  • NEW ECAO Website is LIVE

    NEW ECAO Website is LIVE

    May 19, 2025 ECAO are excited to officially launch the new and improved ECAO website, redesigned with you in mind. Whether you are registering for training, accessing member resources, or staying up to date on key industry developments, ECAO’s new platform makes it faster, easier, and smarter. ECAO have rebuilt the site to deliver the ultimate… Read More…

  • Catalyst Sales and Marketing Announces New Partnership with MGM Transformers

    Catalyst Sales and Marketing Announces New Partnership with MGM Transformers

    May 19, 2025 Catalyst Sales and Marketing is proud to announce a new line partnership with MGM Transformer Company, a recognized provider of dry-type and liquid-filled transformers for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure applications. With over 50 years of expertise, MGM delivers custom-engineered, reliable, and energy-efficient solutions designed to meet the demands of data centers, renewable… Read More…

  • Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    May 19, 2025 By David Gordon, Channel Marketing Group, President The Intermatic deal is done. It has been rumored for months that Intermatic was being sold. Strategic buyers and private equity firms were mentioned as expressing interest and reviewing “the book” throughout the fall (and some mentioned even last summer.) According to sources, it was a “challenge” for… Read More…