The Federal Skilled Trades Category seeks to accommodate Skilled Trades men and women seeking employment based on a list of acceptable occupations offered in Canada. This guide will help you determine whether or not your skill set meets the basic occupational requirements while assisting you in completing your application package.
Federal Skilled Trades Qualification
The basic thing to keep in mind when qualifying for the Federal Skilled Trades Category is:
- plan to live outside the province of Quebec
- meet the required levels in English or French
- have at least two years of full-time work experience
- meet all job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and
- have an offer of full-time employment or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a provincial or territorial body.
Skilled Trades currently eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized under these major groups of the NOC:
- Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades,
- Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades,
- Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production, and
- Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators.
These major NOC groups are subdivided into different occupations.
When it comes to certifying your trade in Canada, only the provinces and territories can issue certificates of qualification in the skilled trades. To get this certificate, the provincial or territorial trades authority must assess your training, trade experience and skills to decide if you are eligible to write an exam to be certified.
You will likely have to go to the province or territory to be assessed. You may also need an employer in Canada to give you experience and training. If this situation applies to you, contact us. We will discuss your options with you and outline the strategy that works best for achieving your goals in Canada. With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way.