What do all of those letters really mean?

Trades in Ontario are regulated by two acts: the Apprenticeship Certification Act (ACA) and the Trades Qualifications and Apprenticeship Act (TQAA).  Compulsory certification means that a person must hold a valid certificate of qualification or be a registered apprentice to work or be employed in that trade.

ACA (Apprenticeship Certification Act)

Regulates Industrial, Motive Power & Service Sectors and limited Construction Trades.

Must be minimum of 16 years.

Minimum of Grade 12 required (Grade 10 for Assistant Cook Br 1, Auto Body Repairer Br 2 and Construction Craft Worker).

The ACA has 2 categories:

Unrestricted – Most trades are in this category.  You do not have to be licensed to work in this field.

Restricted – This means you must be registered (sponsored) to go into these trades as restricted skill sets may be practised only by certified journeypersons or registered apprentices.  While students are earning cooperative education credits as part of OYAP they are exempt from this rule.  However, if students are working outside the hours specified in their work Education Agreements, they must be registered apprentices.

TQAA (Trades Qualifications and Apprenticeship Act)

Focused primary on the Construction sector (some exceptions).

Must be minimum of 16 years old.

Minimum of Grade 10 required (Grade 8 for Brick and Stone Mason, Cement Mason and Drywall Finisher & Plasterer).

The TQAA has 2 categories:

Voluntary – You do not have to be licensed to work in the trade.

Compulsory – You must be licensed journeyperson or registered apprentice to work in the trade. While students are earning cooperative education credits as part of OYAP they are exempt from this rule.  However, if students are working outside the hours specified in their work Education Agreements, they must be registered apprentices.

Red Seal Program

The Red Seal or Interprovincial Standards Program allows for greater mobility of skilled workers across Canada.  Currently there are 41 "Red Seal" trades.  For more information on the Red Seal Program visit their website.