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How to become a certified tradesperson in Manitoba

In the Canadian province of Manitoba skilled tradespeople are in high demand. The government of Manitoba projects a need for more than 40,000 workers in the trades/transportation sector during the period to 2020.

To apply to immigrate through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Skilled Workers you do not require a certificate of qualification in your trade; however, you must satisfactorily demonstrate that you are qualified to work in Manitoba.

If you are an internationally experienced tradesperson and want to work in Manitoba, be advised that trades are regulated occupations. While most trades do not have mandatory certification, employers generally demand certified tradespeople (journeypersons).

Manitoba has more than 50 “designated trades.” 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.

There are two paths to trades certification: through supervised training called apprenticeship; and, for experienced tradespeople, by challenging the trades qualification exam.

Foreign nationals who write and pass the qualification exam in their trade will be issued a certificate of qualification by the Manitoba government trades office, Apprenticeship Manitoba. To write the exam and be issued a certificate of qualification you require a Manitoba address.

This is the three-step procedure for applying for a Certificate of Qualification in your trade:

1. Determine if you have the work experience, training, knowledge and skills required to be eligible to write the qualification exam by reviewing the Required Experience Chart and Work Experience Form (WEF) for your trade at Apprenticeship Manitoba.

Have you completed this step?

After carefully reviewing the Work Experience Form for your trade, note any listed qualifications that you need to obtain (ex: Do have you have the required hours at a particular skill?) and note any questions you need to ask an advisor at Apprenticeship Manitoba.

2. Submit to Apprenticeship Manitoba your Trades Qualification Application (complete with supporting letters from employers) only if you meet all requirements to write the qualification exam in your trade.

Have you completed this step?

3. Wait for a reply from Apprenticeship Manitoba. (Application review takes about six weeks.) Approval of your application means you are eligible to write the exam.

Note when you plan to write the qualification exam for your trade. Note any information you require, actions you must take or assistance you need to proceed.

Example: Your research shows you are eligible for the qualification exam, and you will make arrangements to write the exam after you arrive in Manitoba.

Additional resources

Improve your trades-related language skills at Winnipeg’s Red River College

Get free advice and assistance from the organization Workplace Integration of Skilled Newcomers in the Trades

Learn about trades opportunities at Winnipeg Construction Association

Note information or questions you have about these programs and services available after you arrive in Manitoba.

Revised May 2013