Harmonization of Red Seal Trades

EIN CS red seal 400

July 23, 2019

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) would like to thank industry and training stakeholders for their contribution and support to the harmonization of apprenticeship training initiative. Since 2015, this initiative has been working with apprenticeship industry and training stakeholders from across the country to achieve consensus on substantive alignment across jurisdictions on the trade name, total training hours (on-the-job and in class), number of training levels and sequencing of technical training content.

The initiative was launched with the ambitious goal of harmonizing training for 30 trades covering 90% of registered apprentices in participating jurisdictions by 2020. The CCDA is proud to announce that consensus has now been reached for 32 Red Seal trades. Implementation of the recommendations is on target for all of them to be implemented by September of 2020.

The Red Seal trades covered by the first five phases and the consensus name, hours and levels are listed below. 

For details on the sequencing of apprenticeship training and your province or territory’s implementation plan, contact your apprenticeship authority.

Phase and Implementation Target

Red Seal Trade Name

Hours of Training

Levels of Training

Phase 1

September 2016

Carpenter

7200

4

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

5400

3

Welder

5400

3

Ironworker (Generalist)

5400

3

Ironworker (Reinforcing)

3600

2

Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)

5400

3

Mobile Crane Operator*

5400

3

Tower Crane Operator

3000

2

Phase 2

September 2017

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

7200

4

Truck and Transport Mechanic

7200

4

Agricultural Equipment Technician

7200

4

Construction Electrician

7200

4

Industrial Electrician

7200

4

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

7200

4

Automotive Service Technician

7200

4

Plumber

7200

4

Steamfitter/Pipefitter

7200

4

Phase 3

September 2018

Boilermaker

5400

3

Sprinkler Fitter

(formerly: Sprinkler System Installer)

7200

4

Concrete Finisher

3600

2

Landscape Horticulturist

6000

4

Sheet Metal Worker

7200

4

Phase 4

September 2019

Rig Technician

4860

3

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

7200

4

Insulator (Heat and Frost)

7200

4

Machinist

7200

4

Tool and Die Maker

7200

3

Phase 5

September 2020

Powerline Technician

7200

4

Auto Body and Collision Technician (formerly: Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint))

7200

4

Automotive Refinishing Technician (formerly: Automotive Painter)

3600

2

Hairstylist

3600

2

Cook

5400

3

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • HELUKABEL Rebrands as HELU

    HELUKABEL Rebrands as HELU

    March 2, 2026 No longer HELUKABEL, just HELU— the idea behind this change is both deliberate and strategic as we have developed step by step from a manufacturer of only cables into an internationally leading systems supplier for electrical connection technology. In addition to cables and wires, our portfolio now includes assemblies and drag chains Read More…

  • EB Horsman & Son Expansion in Alberta: New Grande Prairie Branch Opening 2026

    EB Horsman & Son Expansion in Alberta: New Grande Prairie Branch Opening 2026

    March 2, 2026 EB Horsman & Son Expansion is excited to announce that EB Horsman & Son is expanding in Northern Alberta with a new branch coming to Grande Prairie. As one of the fastest‑growing cities in the province and a major hub for the oil and gas, forestry, and agriculture sectors, Grande Prairie is Read More…

  • Schneider Electric Canada Opens New Canadian Headquarters and EcoFit™ Center in Milton, Ontario

    Schneider Electric Canada Opens New Canadian Headquarters and EcoFit™ Center in Milton, Ontario

    March 2, 2026 New site strengthens national innovation, circularity, and proudly Canadian manufacturing Schneider Electric Canada announces the grand opening of its new Canadian head office and EcoFit™ Center in Milton, Ontario. The new headquarters, which relocated from Mississauga, consolidates multiple sites into a modern, collaborative hub designed to support R&D, software services, training, and Read More…

  • GB Agencies Recognized by EATON at the 2026 NEMRA Conference

    GB Agencies Recognized by EATON at the 2026 NEMRA Conference

    March 2, 2026 GB Agencies was recognized by EATON at the 2026 NEMRA Conference in Orlando for high‑achieving sales. “This year’s event was an incredible opportunity to connect with other outstanding representatives and strengthen the partnerships that continue to drive our success,” GB Agencies said on their website. “We are especially proud to be celebrated by EATON Read More…