FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has introduced new compulsory designations for four skilled trades under the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act.

Compulsory designation means mandatory training and certification for anyone wanting to work in any of the four additional designations:

  • Steamfitter-Pipefitter;
  • Construction Boilermaker;
  • Mobile Crane Operator; and
  • Sheet Metal Worker Occupations.

“As a government, we are focused on people, skills and jobs,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. “The addition of these new compulsory designations demonstrates our dedication to growing a skilled workforce. Together with our partners in business and industry, we are helping to ensure appropriate opportunities exist to meet industry needs. We are focused on creating jobs and keeping New Brunswickers – our most valuable resources – here at home.”

The department will provide training to upgrade those who qualify to challenge the certification examination. In addition, a Certificate of Qualification without Written Examination will be available to tradespeople who have accumulated the required hours prior to the date of compulsory designation (i.e. grandfathering). These tradespersons will have a five-year timeframe to obtain certification without writing an exam.

“This complements our efforts to support apprenticeship in New Brunswick,” said Carr. “Our Labour Force and Skills Development Strategy 2013-2016 already highlights work being done to attract youth into trades through the New Brunswick Teen Apprenticeship program as well as efforts to implement a women-in-trades program.”

“We are very pleased to have the compulsory designation for four skilled trades introduced,” said Scott Toner, chair of the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board. “These changes will help contribute to the success and benefit of all apprentices in New Brunswick.”

In addition, provincial governments across the Atlantic Canada recently announced an initiative to harmonize apprenticeship systems across the region and the creation of four new apprenticeship incentive programs designed to engage and provide financial support to both employers and apprentices.

“We are pleased with today’s announcement of the new compulsory designation for four skilled trades,” said Gary Ritchie, executive director of the New Brunswick Building and Construction Trades Council. “This has been a collaborative effort between both government and industry and these additional designations will help build a more solid future for these trades and provide more opportunities for apprentices in New Brunswick. It is important that we continue to work together to ensure accessible, quality training for those who wish to enter the building and construction sector.”  

For more information on apprenticeship and occupational certification, and the compulsory designation of these occupations, please contact the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification branch at 1-855-453-2260.

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18-08-14