The Construction Trades Training for Red Seal Certification (Employer-Provided Program) is developed in consultation with industry experts. It is geared to youth and adults who have an interest in working in the Construction Trades. Students will be prepared for entry-level jobs in the Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing industries, where demand is high and earning potential is good. The course is mainly hands-on, building the skills, knowledge, and attitude that employers are looking for.

This program provides students with tangible skills related to daily work in each of the three trades they study, as well as developing their understanding of the professionalism of a tradesperson. The program instills safe workplace practices, student skill development, and encourages design, planning, production, and evaluation of various techniques and projects.

All participants have some experience in a related trade (either electrical, plumbing, or carpentry) but lack Interprovincial Red Seal Certification and work experience. They will receive 11 weeks of group-based training, including: 1 week of Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS), language, and essential skills; 8 weeks of construction trades training; and a 1-week review to prepare for the Inter-Provincial Red Seal Exam. Students will develop safe workplace practices, skills, and receive a detailed review of all content taught over the four levels of apprenticeship training, so they can successfully pass their Interprovincial Red Seal exam. Students will also get hands-on experience while completing a small construction project in the community.

The necessary theoretical work component is integrated into the program to complement and enhance the practical. Industry tours will expose the student to a variety of work environments.

Electrical Cohort

Students will be shown the skills essential to working as a journeyperson Electrician. Students will also review training on various materials and processes used by an electrician. Students will work safely with electrical code requirements to select appropriate materials and tools to perform tasks.

Carpentry Cohort

Students will be shown the skills essential to working as a journeyperson Carpenter. They will also review training on various materials and processes used by a Carpenter and its various career options, including residential, commercial, and renovation construction. The instructor will demonstrate material and tool selection and usage, standard building techniques, and develop skills to create 3-D objects from 2-D plans and blueprints. Students will also review essential techniques to successfully complete carpentry projects in the most effective ways.

Plumbing Cohort

Experienced participants in the plumbing trade will review advanced theoretical training on various aspects of plumbing, including the calculation of pipe sizing and creating piping systems using appropriate practices, materials, tools, and equipment. They will also review advanced topics in piping trades, including plumbing, pipe/steam fitting, sprinkler fitting, gas fitting, and refrigeration. Reading, numeracy, document processing, and analytical/problem-solving skills to interpret building plans, inspect piping systems, and diagnose system faults and/or malfunctions are also covered during this Red Seal refresher training.

• Journey-person (Electrician/Plumber/Carpenter)
• Graduates will be able to work as experienced electricians, plumbers, or carpenters.
• They will have essential safety certifications and skills training to advance their career in Construction Trades (Electrical, Plumbing, or Carpentry), which will allow them to contribute to various projects.
• Able to take responsibility for restoring and/or installing of structural woodwork and related materials, specifically the practices, procedures, techniques, tools and equipment, materials, and specifications.
• Install, repair, and maintain pipes, valves, fittings, drainage systems, and fixtures in commercial and residential structures.

Prior to acceptance, you must have a minimum of 4-5 years of prior trades experience in the respective trade for which you are applying.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 50 lbs.
• Lift, carry, hold and operate hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders.
• Stand on concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt, wood, etc. for extended periods of time.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crawl to perform tasks.
• Learn and work in a shop environment.
• Push/pull and carry lumber and construction materials.
• Climb extension ladders and work on scaffolding at heights.

Upon completion of this program, students will be equipped with theoretical and practical training for the Red Seal Challenge Exam in Carpentry, Electrical or Plumbing:

• Carpentry: Planning/Layout; Concrete; Framing; Exterior Finish; Interior Finish/Renovations.
• Plumbing: Piping/Assembly; Drainage, Waste/Sewage; Water Service; Fixtures, Appliances/Treatment; Heating/Cooling; Specialized Systems & Maintenance.
• Electrical: Electrical Systems, Distribution & Services; Wiring; Control Systems, and Communications Systems.

• Weekly on-campus tests will be conducted.
• Students will be given a final exam.

• Successful completion of all on-campus tests with a minimum of 50% overall average.
• Successfully passing final exam with a minimum of 50% overall average.

• The total program hours are (Electrician/Plumbing/Carpentry) 720 (240+240+240).
• The full-time program length is 24 weeks (8+8+8).

Students can expect to complete 1-3 hours of homework per day.

The delivery method for this program is in-class instruction.

• AUTHOR: ACE Community College
• PUBLISHER: ACE Community College

• Electrical e-book for Electrical participants
• Carpentry e-book for Carpentry participants
• Plumbing e-book for Plumbing participants