Apprenticeship Grants Program Definitions

Advanced standing

Apprentices with significant prior learning (for example, those who have completed a pre-apprenticeship program) or experience may register in an advanced year/level of an apprenticeship program. Apprentices that receive credit for both technical training and work experience are not eligible for an apprenticeship incentive grant for the level recognized as completed outside of an apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship authority

Each province and territory has its own governing body in charge of apprenticeship. This body is usually related to the department or ministry with authority over training, regulation, and certification of the apprenticeship program for the province or territory.

Block / Level / Year / Period

In most cases, there is no difference between the terms "block," "level," "year," and "period." Different wording is used in different provinces and territories. Generally, all terms refer to the completion of some combination of technical training and on-the-job experience.

However, for Quebec apprentices registered with the Commission de la Construction du Québec, there is a difference between the terms "period" and "level".

Certificate of apprenticeship / Completion of apprenticeship

Provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities issue a certificate of apprenticeship (or equivalent) to registered apprentices who successfully complete their technical and on-the-job training.

Designated Red Seal program trade

A designated Red Seal program trade is a trade that has been designated by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship for inclusion in the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. The training and certification is based on a national occupational standard, and provinces and territories participating in the program for that trade or occupation are permitted to affix a Red Seal to the certificates of candidates who meet the standard.

Exemption

Exemption is the process in which an apprentice, on the basis of having significant prior learning and experience, may be registered in an apprenticeship program at an advanced level.

High school student

Apprentices enrolled in adult learning or professional upgrading classes and Quebec apprentices completing their vocational training diploma (Diplôme d'études professionnelles) are not considered high school students.

Journeyperson certification / Certificate of qualification

Journeyperson certification is a certificate issued to tradespeople who successfully complete an apprenticeship program or who meet all the requirements of a trade and attain the prescribed pass mark on the certification exam. Certified journeypersons can earn a higher wage and work anywhere in Canada.

Permanent resident

A permanent resident is a person who can remain in Canada permanently but who is not a Canadian citizen.

Protected person

A protected person is someone who has reason to fear persecution in his or her country of origin due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion. In Canada, the Immigration and Refugee Board and Citizenship and Immigration Canada decide who is a protected person.

Progression

To demonstrate progression, you must have completed both the technical and on-the-job training within your apprenticeship program. Determination of successful completion of first- or second-year level/block (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program will be made based on the requirements for your apprenticeship program. Proof of your progression will be validated based on the required supporting documents you provide with your application.

Trade qualifier

A trade qualifier is a tradesperson with significant experience who is assessed by the provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority and allowed to write the final trade certification exam without having completed an apprenticeship program.

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