More than 40 Ironworkers in Nova Scotia achieve certification in 2021

Refresher courses offered to individuals with experience in the Ironworker trade has led to 41 Ironworkers achieving trade certification in 2021. This is welcome news as construction projects throughout Nova Scotia are at an all-time high and employers are eager to hire certified trades people and keep up with labour market demands.

There are three Red Seal Ironworker trades in Nova Scotia: Ironworker – Generalist, Ironworker-Reinforcing, and Ironworker – Structural/Ornamental. These trades have seen growth throughout the province as infrastructure projects continue to support the need for these specialists.

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency offers apprenticeship training in the Ironworker trades. However, some people already have considerable experience working as an Ironworker but have not taken formal training. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency works with these individuals to help them attain their certification through a ‘Trade Qualifier’ process.   

This past year, the Ironworkers Union Local 752 facilitated two refresher courses offered during evenings and weekends to help members hone their craft and ensure they were up to date with the latest skills and technologies in their trade.  The refresher training prepared participants to write the Interprovincial Red Seal examination – the same exam that is written by their peers across the country. Marjorie Davison, CEO, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency said that partnerships with the trade sector is key to achieving results.  “We value our partnerships with industry, and I would like to congratulate the Union on this initiative and their success,” she said.

In 2021, following the completion of the refresher course, the Ironworker – Reinforcing trade received 15 new certifications through the Trade Qualifier process, as well as eight who had completed their apprenticeship training, bringing the total number of those now certified in the province to 102.  Similarly, the Ironworker – Structural / Ornamental trade received 10 new certifications through the refresher course, as well as eight who had completed their apprenticeship training, bringing that total to 85.

An increase in the number of certified Ironworkers not only supports the growth of Nova Scotia, but will allow for the profession to expand as those certified can now supervise and mentor apprentices as they learn the skills of the trade.

Certified Ironworker Statistics

 

 

 

 

What is apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary option for youth and other career seekers who want to be certified to work in a skilled trade.

Apprenticeship begins with an agreement between an apprentice and an employer. The apprentice agrees to work for the employer in exchange for supervised, on-the-job training and experience, and the opportunity to participate in the technical training necessary to complete the program. In the workplace, apprentices are supervised by a certified journeyperson who tracks both their hours and competence in the practical skills of the trade. Technical training is offered in class and/or online and is administered and arranged by the Apprenticeship Agency.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, apprentices are eligible to write a provincial or Red Seal certification exam.