Trade Qualifier

a female plumber journeyperson training a male apprentice on how to solder a copper pipe.

Experienced tradespersons are an important part of the workforce and are valuable contributors to the industry. Apprenticeship Manitoba offers trades qualification as a pathway for experienced tradespersons to become certified without having to do an apprenticeship program.

Review the Pathways to Journeyperson for an overview of milestones that lead to a Certificate of Qualification.

Pathways to Journeyperson Certification Infographic. The content can be accessed via the PDF which will open in a new tab.

Pathways to Journeyperson Certification poster

Eligibility for Trade Qualification

If you have extensive experience working in a trade, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam.

Do any of these situations describe you?

  • I have moved to Manitoba from elsewhere in Canada, or another country, and want my experience recognized.
  • I am moving to another province from Manitoba and want my trade experience recognized.
  • I want to take on an apprentice and be their journeyperson mentor.
  • I’m interested in progressing in my career.
  • I have been working in my trade for a number of years and would like my experience to be formally recognized.
  • I have been trained for a trade in the Canadian military and want to be certified.

If any of these situations describe you, you may be eligible to become a trade qualifier. Trade qualifiers are individuals who follow the trades qualification pathway to certification.

Some trades in Manitoba require you to be certified; these are known as compulsory certification trades. Other trades are voluntary.

letter C enclosed in a rounded square.

If you are coming from outside of Manitoba or from the military, it is important to know that nine of the 50+ trades designated in Manitoba are classified as compulsory certification. If a trade is designated as compulsory certification, it means you must be registered as an apprentice or be a certified journeyperson to work in that trade.

The compulsory certification trades in Manitoba are:

  • Construction Electrician
  • Crane and Boom Truck Operator Trades
  • Electrologist
  • Esthetician
  • Hairstylist
  • Industrial Electrician
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Sprinkler Fitter
  • Steamfitter-Pipefitter

Learn more about compulsory certification and voluntary trades.

Explore Compulsory Certification Trades

Labour Mobility

If you have received Red Seal certification for any trade (voluntary or compulsory certification), it will continue to be recognized in Manitoba. If you received certification that is not Red Seal in a compulsory certification trade, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

Learn More

Newcomers

Newcomers can learn more about what trades are compulsory certification trades, including when you may register and how to access supports, by visiting:

Newcomers Back to Top

If you hold a Canadian Military Trade Certificate, there are several options for how you can have your credentials recognized in one of Manitoba’s designated compulsory certification trades as listed below.

  • + -

    Compulsory Certification Trades: These three trades require certification to work in Manitoba.

    You can apply as a trade qualifier to challenge the Red Seal exam free of charge through the Military Credential Recognition Process as noted below.

    Equivalent Compulsory Certification Trades*

    Military Trade
    Manitoba Designated Trade
    Electrical Distribution Technician
    Construction Electrician
    Electrical Technician - including Marine Electrician
    Industrial Electrician
    Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician
    Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic

    Licensing by Regulatory Bodies - After you receive your Red Seal certification for the electrical and gas trades listed above, you must also obtain a licence from Inspection and Technical Services Manitoba after receiving your Certification of Qualification.

  • + -

    Voluntary Trades: You are not required to apply for certification.

    If you hold a Canadian military credentials corresponding to Manitoba’s voluntary certification designated trades, you are not required to apply for certification.

    However, if you would like to obtain certification in a Red Seal trade that is designated in Manitoba, you may apply through the Military Credential Recognition process.

    Equivalent Trades - Voluntary

    Military Trade
    Manitoba Designated Trade
    Construction Technician
    Carpenter
    Cook
    Cook
    Marine Engineering Technician
    Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), or, Machinist
    Material Technician
    Welder
    Plumbing and Heating Technician
    Plumber
    Vehicle Technician
    Automotive Service Technician, or, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, or, Truck and Transport Mechanic
Back to Top

Military Credential Recognition Process: How to Apply for Red Seal Certification.

To apply to have your credentials recognized for Red Seal certification, please complete the Military Credential Recognition form.

You will need to include your Member’s Personnel Record Resume (MPRR) with a QL5, DP2 or higher designation with the form.

This form will be reviewed and approved to ensure you meet the requirements for writing the certification exam.

To prepare for writing the certification exam you should review:

  • Study for Your Exam
  • Learning Supports Guide
  • Special Accommodations

If you have any questions about requirements or exemptions please contact us.

Back to Top