November 7, 2014
Manitoba Government Removes Employment Barriers for Military Tradespeople
– – –New Measure Makes it Easier, Free of Charge For Military Personnel to Obtain Red Seal Certification: Minister Chief
The Manitoba government is making it easier for veterans to transfer their military experience in the skilled trades into civilian jobs, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today, to mark the third annual Apprenticeship Recognition Week.
“Members of the military have dedicated years to serving our country and we want to honour and recognize that experience,” said Minister Chief. “We’re helping experienced tradespeople gain Red Seal certification to get good jobs right here at home in Manitoba.”
“After years of service in the military, many veterans have the training and experience necessary to work in the trades,” said Paul Robins, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and is now a refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic. “Today, the government of Manitoba has made it easier for veterans by having our credentials recognized so we can get our Red Seal. This will help veterans get good jobs in the trades and ease the transition to civilian life.”
To be considered under the new process, applicants in one of the regulation’s listed trades must provide a copy of their Member’s Personnel Record Resume, which is accessible to all current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Eligible applicants will be able to write the certification examination for their designated trade, and upon passing that examination, will receive a Red Seal Certificate of Qualification from Apprenticeship Manitoba, Minister Chief said. To further assist with a smooth transition from the military to civilian trades, all fees for this process will be waived, he added.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of formalized apprenticeship training in Manitoba. Since 1944, 35,000 journeypeople have been certified across industry sectors, building careers in the skilled trades and contributing to the province’s economic growth, the minister added.
“This is opening up doors for those who served in the military and creating more opportunities to increase the number of apprentices working in the province. This helps more Manitobans get jobs that support their families,” said Leonard Harapiak, chair, Apprenticeship and Certification Board. “Skilled trades workers are in high demand and this is another initiative that will add to the pool of available talent.”
The Manitoba government’s $5.5-billion infrastructure plan is creating training opportunities and good jobs for Manitobans, Minister Chief said. Legislation also came into effect on Nov. 3 that guarantees public investments will create training opportunities on public works projects, he noted.
For more information on apprenticeship training, visit www.manitoba.ca/tradecareers.
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