1. BACKGROUNDER: THE INTERPROVINCIAL STANDARDS RED SEAL PROGRAM National Apprenticeship Stakeholder Meeting Ottawa - March 20, 2014 Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA)

2. The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program Overview of the Red Seal Program The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) Strategic Priorities (2013-2016) Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 2

3. In Canada, there are 13 distinct apprenticeship systems Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 3

4. The Red Seal Program Approximately 60 years ago, the provincial and territorial and federal governments created the Red Seal Program to develop common standards for the scope and tasks of designated trades. These common standards have played an important role in the harmonization of apprenticeship programs, which enhances the mobility of individual tradespersons certified by the provinces and territories. The Red Seal Program has been a good model of labour mobility for tradespersons, pre-dating the Agreement on Internal Trade. For many years, it was the ticket to mobility in the skilled trades. 4 CCDA Harmonization Project

5. The Red Seal Program 55 trades representing about 80% of registered apprentices in Canada. First Red Seal awarded in 1959 – Motor Vehicle Repair. Over 574,000 Red Seals awarded since inception (almost 25,000 in 2012). Top 5 Red Seal trades (2012): Construction Electrician, Automotive Service Technician, Carpenter, Plumber, Welder Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 5

6. The Red Seal Program (Cont’d) The Red Seal is an endorsement physically affixed upon provincial/territorial (P/T) trade certificates, upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal exam. Trade certificates bearing the Red Seal endorsement are automatically recognized across Canada, and provide reasonable assurance of a high standard of qualification. Program provides options for the jurisdictions, while recognizing that apprenticeship training and trade certification are the responsibilities of each province and territory. Program encourages greater consistency of P/T apprenticeship training and certification requirements. Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 6

7. Value Proposition of the Red Seal Competitive advantage – tradespersons are qualified to a high interprovincial standard recognized and trusted by industry. Employers familiar with the Red Seal consider it a moderate or strong hiring advantage; The Red Seal endorsement is considered an industry- endorsed standard of excellence for the skilled trades. Labour mobility – automatic recognition of trade certification. Under Chapter 7 of the Agreement on Internal Trade, provinces and territories must recognize each others’ trade credentials (with or without Red Seal); However some employers prefer to hire incoming tradespersons who have the Red Seal. Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 7

8. CCDA and the Red Seal Program  The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) manages and delivers the Red Seal Program. It works with P/Ts and industry to develop common national standards, curriculum guides and examinations. It is comprised of provincial/territorial apprenticeship authorities, and two representatives from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Each member is accountable to their respective jurisdiction.  The CCDA is also a forum to discuss common issues around apprenticeship and the skilled trades, though the delivery of the Red Seal Program is its primary role.  The Red Seal Program represents a standard of excellence for the skilled trades. Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 8

9. Red Seal Products Red Seal products are developed in partnership between ESDC, the P/T’s, and industry through a rigorous process: ─National Occupational Analyses (NOA): the national standards which describe the pan-Canadian scope and activities of each Red Seal trade. ─Interprovincial (IP) Red Seal Exams: based on the NOA and used to assess qualified tradespeople according to a national standard. ─Interprovincial Program Guides (IPG): represent the minimum common core content for the development of jurisdictional training standards. ─Essential Skills (ES): tools and resources to help apprentices build their essential skills. To learn more, watch the videos on the Red Seal website: www.red-seal.ca/c.4nt.2nt@-eng.jsp?cid=43 www.red-seal.ca/c.4nt.2nt@-eng.jsp?cid=45 Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 9

10. Apprenticeship Stakeholders Employers Industry Associations and Councils Training Providers Equity Groups Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 10 Employees Organized and Open Shop Labour Governments

11. CCDA Strategic Priorities 2013-2016 1. Standards and Assessments  Enhance Red Seal standards and assessments; 2. Harmonization  Promote the harmonization of interjurisdictional processes and requirements for skilled trades training, certification and standards; 3. Promotion  Increase awareness of the Red Seal as a competitive advantage and an assurance of quality; and 4. Engagement  Increase the engagement and participation of partners and stakeholders in the Red Seal Program. Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 11

12. Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program www.red-seal.ca For additional information, please see: CCDA Annual Report 2012 www.red-seal.ca/images/2012_AR_EN.pdf Red Seal e-Newsletter www.red-seal.ca/c.4nt.2nt@-eng.jsp?cid=32 Backgrounder: Red Seal Program 12