How to become a certified tradesperson in Manitoba

There are more than 50 "designated trades" in Manitoba. Designated trades are trades that are governed by regulations under the provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Act. These regulations set the standards and conditions of training and certification for specific trades. The regulations are administered by a provincial government branch called Apprenticeship Manitoba.

To become certified to work in a trade you must pass an exam, or work under supervision and attend training for a period of time called an apprenticeship.

Most trades have voluntary certification. This means you can practise the trade without being certified. However, if you do not become certified you may miss employment opportunities and higher wages in your trade.

In Manitoba, nine trades have compulsory certification – construction and industrial electricians, crane and hoisting equipment operators, electrologist, esthetician, hairstylist, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, sprinkler system installer, steamfitter-pipefitter. To legally work in a compulsory trade you must be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson.

"Certified journeyperson" is a person who holds a certificate of qualification issued by Apprenticeship Manitoba. "Registered apprentice" is a person who has signed an apprenticeship training agreement with his or her employer, and has registered that agreement with Apprenticeship Manitoba.

Get your previous trades experience recognized
If you are experienced in a trade you can become a certified journeyperson by challenging the certification exams in your trade. In order to be eligible to challenge your certification exams you must prove that you have a certain number of years of work experience in your trade and that you have knowledge, skills and abilities associated with your trade. To learn more go to the Apprenticeship Manitoba webpage Skilled Worker.

Become a tradesperson through apprenticeship
If you're an apprentice or would like to become one, find information on topics including how to start your apprenticeship, scholarships, grants and awards available to you, and what you need to know for technical training at the Apprenticeship Manitoba webpage Apprentice.

Additional resources

Get personal help
Want more information on getting certified in your trade? You can speak to advisors at the free Advice Night held each month by the organization Workplace Integration of Skilled Newcomers in the Trades.

Advice from other newcomers
To read how recent immigrants successfully found work in the trades in Manitoba go to the website immigrantsandcareers.mb.ca.

Trades communication program
This full-time, classroom program develops language skills for further training or employment in the trades. Visit Red River College.

Learn more about trades in Manitoba
The Winnipeg Construction Association has an excellent website about trades, Manitoba's high demand for skilled workers, and how to get training to become a tradesperson at Trade Up!