millwright: apprenticeship vs certification
 

i'm just wondering what's the difference between having a red seal and a certificate of trades training. bcit offers both but i'm not quite sure which one would be a better choice. does having a red seal hold advantage over having a certificate in trades (or vice versa)? thanks guys

I believe a Red Seal Certification takes much more precedence over a Certificate of Trades Training. I just finished my Automotive Tech Foundation Program at BCIT (which I got my Certificate of Trades Training from), and now I'm working as an apprentice, on my way to a Red Seal.

I believe I can only get tested for my Red Seal after my 4 years in apprenticeship, and then I'll be considered a journeyman. I'm pretty sure it's like this across all trades in terms of industry training

I'm currently in the Millwright Foundation Program for Certificate of Trades Training.

The Foundation Program is there to help you get employment for Apprenticeship really. It touches upon all 4 years of the actual Millwright program.

Red Seal takes 4 years. 1800 hours of work per year and 7 weeks in class for theory each year.

After my Foundation program I am considered a 2nd year Apprentice as it recognized as 1800 hours of work.

Its an awesome Trade to get into and you will not regret it. Millwright is literally the jack of all trades or better known as an industrial mechanic of that sort.

If you're willing to get your hours done quickly and get paid massive, hit up the interior as they will take apprentices in a snap. I hear they pay close to $45/hr just for 2nd year Apprentices.

any millwrights here, I need 10 questions answered for my career research if anyone can help!

ttt

I'm half way through my apprenticeship and can likely answer the questions you have.

Getting your red seal is like getting your drivers license.

You need 6600 hours (i think? maybe 6400..something like that) and you have to complete your 4 periods of training, and then pass your interprovincial red seal exam- to be considered red seal certified.


Each level you complete, goes towards your apprenticeship. So you can say youve completed your first year, second year, third year, etc. Each is its own course and certification and builds on the last course taken- but you are not FULLY certified until youve taken them all, finished your work hours, and have written your final exam.

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