News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Six additional trades will see their requirements and criteria harmonized across the Atlantic Provinces as part of the Council of Atlantic Premiers’ Atlantic Apprenticeship Harmonization Project.

The announcement was made today by the four Atlantic provincial governments and the federal government.

“Our government is committed to strengthening access and exposure to trades and apprenticeships,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Francine Landry. “Collaborating with our Atlantic partners to harmonize our respective apprenticeship systems is an important initiative which will allow skilled workers to come to our province more easily, contributing to economic growth and job creation in New Brunswick.”

The six trades to be harmonized include: carpenter, metal fabricator, welder, steamfitter-pipefitter, plumber and industrial electrician. This is in addition to a previous set of four trades which were announced earlier this year, including bricklayer, cook, construction electrician and instrumentation and control technician.

“Our government’s top priority is creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity”, said federal Employment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney. “That is why we are working with the Atlantic provinces to remove barriers caused by different apprenticeship systems; so that we can help more Canadians get the skills and experience they need and benefit from well-paid, in-demand jobs. Harmonizing apprenticeship requirements in Atlantic Canada will improve completion rates, address skills shortages and create jobs for apprentices.”

Atlantic Canadians apprenticing in the 10 trades targeted by this initiative will have access to consistent training, certification and standards, leading to more job opportunities and greater mobility.

In New Brunswick, an increase in skilled worker mobility will help address skill shortages in certain regions and make it easier for New Brunswickers who are training for or have gained their professional designations outside of the province to return home to live and work.

Currently, Canada has 13 different apprenticeship systems across the country with different requirements for training, certification and standards. This harmonization initiative, which is a first in Canada, will ensure apprentices can more easily train and work towards completing their certification anywhere in Atlantic Canada.

“This project is a positive step for our province towards removing barriers to attaining a post-secondary education and skills training,” added Landry. “It further complements our government’s plan to close the skills gap in our province, providing clarity and better opportunities for skilled workers in Atlantic Canada.”

The four-year harmonization project was launched in January 2014 and received a total of $7.8 million from federal and provincial governments. It is managed through the Council of Atlantic Premiers. New Brunswick has taken a lead role in harmonizing three of the 10 trades, including welder, metal fabricator and instrumentation and controls technician.