Redseal certification
 

hello
can anyone tell me if i have to go to canada to sit the Redseal exam (for electritians) or is there somewhere in the uk that i can go to take it?
any other info on redseal and work permit application would be appreciated.
do i take exam first etc?
thanx
justice for the 96

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi!

We are new to this as well!

Well we found you have to sit the 'Red Seal' exam in Canada, ideally just go to the province you wish to live/work. You can get hold of the books by doing a general search on Google. The government full version through CSA (Canadian Standards Association), but I'm not sure which ones we need yet? Guess start of with general ones part 1 (domestic) part 1 etc. If you want to do both domestic-commercial and industrial then you need to sit two exams. The industrial is book part 2. Their are other version out there i.e 'Electrical Code Simplified' by P S Knight but I'm not sure this will be enough for the exam? The pass rate is 70% and some people are having to re-sit the exam, why? :confused:

We are currently trying to get hold of Brian Neal, Manitoba Apprentices Branch ( 001-204-945-3337) to find out what reading material we need to swat up on.

We have found most people are putting in for their PR Application, doing the 'Red Seal' exams then going over on a Temp Visa. While you are there you can quickly find work and then ask the employer to apply for a Work Permit, usually takes 2-3 months? You can get hold of work permits for up to 2 yrs, brilliant hey? Meanwhile, most Brits find that once they have a job offer there PR Application is then fast track and takes around 11 months to come through.

We have decided to use a lawyer just in case there are any problems with application, it's not that expensive. We use PanCanadian, which is listed on the immigration web site.

What province are you thinking of?

HAPPY HUNTING! :)

Angela & Rob

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hello Angela & Rob

Thanks for your information, very helpful. We are torn between Alberta, Calgary or BC, Vancouver Island. What about yourselves?

Lee & Anna

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi!

We have decide on Winnipeg, Manitoba. We loved the idea of Alberta and it tick all the boxes, but once we did our recce, we didn't like Calgary. It was too big, too expensive and too fast, not for us! You really need to go over and find out what you want and what you like, everyone has very different ideas.

We enjoyed the space Manitoba has to offer, decent priced housing and good education with excellent universities in Winnipeg. Manitoba is quite flat but still pretty and unique places to visit, they have plenty of lakes and private cottages/log cabins around them. We stayed with a family in Morden whom we met on holiday, they took us around various places of interest and stayed in their log cabin, I loved that!

Do a recce, meet plenty of plenty of people, take their business cards and I'm sure you will eventually find out the information you need. The Canadians are very friendly and accommodating.

Kind Regards

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

hello
we were planning a trip this september but everything was too much of a rush.we are now going in may next year for at least a month.we are thinking of renting a place out there and renting our place out here.we know people in calgary who live in west springs also my cuosin lives in medicine hat so we will visit them and we will spend some time in vancouver as well.the best thing about putting our trip off until next year is it gives us time to do loads more research and save some more money up for the trip.
lee.

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi!

I agree, I think the longer you stay over the better information you can get. It's a really good idea if you can rent your house and then rent out there, that way you can't loose. I know it's only for a month but well worth it! I've heard Medicine Hat is a nice area. Alberta is just a bit expensive for what you get. No offence!

Good Luck!

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

hi
no offence taken
medicine hat is about a 3-4 hour drive from calgary and is quite a small place.
also calgary is booming at the moment loads of work but not much housing this is why it is more expensive.:)

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi!

Yeah I agree!

Was told that areas away from Calgary tend to be small communities with big gaps between them?

So, this is why we decided on the outskirts of Winnipeg City, roughly 3-5 miles out, but still enjoy the benefit of city services.

Let me know what you find out, all the merrier!

Angela :)

Re: Redseal certification
 

Couple of points for you:

Work permits can be issued for 3yrs.

PR is not necessarily fast-tracked due to having a work permit.

Re: Redseal certification
 

I believe that is technically correct. But I have read several reports on this forum that, once one is working in Canada on a work permit, it often is feasible to get an arranged employment opinion (AEO) from HRSDC. CIC's practice reportedly has been to fast-track PR applications that have been backed up by AEOs. According to reports by posters on this forum, it takes about a year to get PR if one has AEO. So, to the extent that working in Canada on a work permit makes it more feasible to get AEO, a WP can be helpful.

Re: Redseal certification
 

You need to get your licience if you want to work in electricial :blink:
Different areas have different rules, but most require you to have the licience.
psknight.com do all the books that you need and you are allowed to take the books into he exam with you.

We contacted the ministy of training in ontario direct who have advised that he has to take all his paper work in - certificates from the uk, work record with FULL list of stuff he has done, plus references from the boss's in the uk, all this must be done on letterheaded paper.
If they happy that he is capable of sitting the test, then he will sit it the day after and then get the results within 2/3 days if we are still in canada.
If they think you are not capable of sitting the test, then they will put you on a red seal course :ohmy:

This is in ontario and not sure on other area's
But i know there are guy's on here who are working in your area, they may come alone later

gill

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi!

Well everyone is getting very mixed messages.

With my own lawyer and hearing about others' it appears that the PR Application has been fast tracked (must be the case). Work Permits seems to help. I've been told you can have a Work Permit for up to 2 yrs?

A new rumour has emerged that the points are going up from 67 points - ?, I can't believe that! Why make it harder when they are desperate for skilled workers?

Who Knows??

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

Dear Gill

Thanks for the copy of the test.

Looking on top of the paper work it says you cannot take in the books. Have they changed their minds?

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

We got told in ontario he could take in the books, so it could be that different areas have different rules :mad:

We are hoping to meet up with someone in the trade if he can before he takes the exam.
As far as the points going up only CIC wll know this, andrew miller has spoke about it in another thread, but if anyone is putting in a skilled worker application at the moment and not active job hunting, then i hope they are willing to wait :(

As far as i was told work permits are 1,2,3 yrs
I dont's think anyone needs a lawyer if your circ are straight forward, we are just hoping to use a relocation firm, mainly to take some stress off me!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

O WELL 20 days and back to canada on next recci trip, will tell you more about exam that he will sit then, mind you if i see him whilst hes jobhunting and me and kids doing the sight seeing trip :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Told them we can play poo sticks at niagra....hehe with them if they dont be good........

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi!

Oh! goodie that's great news, even better!!

I think we will all be OK and we should stop panicking, so my husband says.

DESTRESS TIME!!

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

You might know this already, but here goes. You first need to be eligible to challenge the exam, this means meeting with the Apprentice branch and showing them proof of your foreign credentials and hours worked.
You can only take it in one of the provinces on the date set by them, it is the same exam that 4th level apprentices take.
Are you aiming for Industrial or Construction? They are two separate exams.

Regards
Darren
Industrial Electrician
Royal Canadian Mint

Re: Redseal certification
 

thanks Darren
I am looking at construction.
do you know anything about sitting this exam in Alberta?
thanks
lee

Re: Redseal certification
 

hello gill
i've been on www.psknight.com
i was just wondering which books your hubby purchased and which ones he found to be most helpful.
has he got a date for his test yet?
thanks
lee

Re: Redseal certification
 

Darren

Not sure who that message was for as it come back to us.

We have our file number in mid June, I guess this is the AOR?

Are are is to move to Winnipeg within the next year, giving us time to finish of house, put on market and do some more research ect, ect. We are considering areas just out side Winnipeg. Would need to rent first but doesn't seem to be a lot around. Also I can't source out short term rentals. We have lots of people we know in Morden, but this is too far out and a little too quiet for us.

Did you find your PR was fast tracked when you had your job offer?

Rob is going to take both exams, but not sure which books are going to be suitable for the test. Are simplified versions enough or would it be better to go for the full version and which ones? We are trying to get hold of a guy called Brian at Manitoba Apprenticeship but he is always on answer machine. Were you allowed to take in your books?

On the employment side did, what order did you do this before or after your test and what did you find that was out there?

Cheers :thumbup:

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

Lee

He bought the industrial one and domestic books for ontario.
Wrote an email to them and said what he did, what tests etc he was taking and what was the books they recommended, they came back with the 2, so bought and is at the moment ready them to get ready for the tests.
The main difference he can see is codes are different (so he says)
He has been told to really read up on his plcs and electronics.
We fly in on the 10th august and he will see the assessor on the monday, as long as all the paper work is ok and she thinks he is quualified enough :o then he will sit the test on tuesday......with results asap
He is also meeting up hopefully with someone who has sat the test,
As quick as that really, been told if he passes then the door opens everywhere for you, put will be on net over there as we are wireless :thumbsup::thumbsup:
so will let you know...if he passes i think we maybe qualified for a few :beer::beer:

gill

Re: Redseal certification
 

hi gill what does your hubby mean by ''the codes are different'':o:o
i would think he has been told to read up on electronics more so because he is an industrial electrician?? may not be as relevant to me as i will be entering in to the construction field.
you must let me now straight away when he passes so i can have a :beer::beer: for you

Re: Redseal certification
 

angela
wich message did you recieve ?
i asked darren about the differences between industrial and construction exams and sitting them in Alberta? wasit,by chance regarding this?
if not sorry to be nosey.
lee

Re: Redseal certification
 

Lee

No didn't ask a question, oh well!

All I know so far there is domestic/commercial and industrial exams, let us know about the construction when you can. Although Rob wants to do Domestic/Industrial, that's his skill. Maybe you ought to do both exams? What are your skills? I'm still wondering if we should swat up on the full version literature, just in case the exams is harder in these specialists fields?

What do you think?

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi Folks

Industrial Electrician is what would be known in UK as Maintenance Electrician in a factory- troubleshooting PLC's etc. and all round Electrical work within your plant.
Construction is installation only- in Canada, the Red Seal Journeyman is both industrial and domestic construction.
You do not need both Construction and Industrial tickets as either are licensed to work within each others field, dependant on experience. Plus, you have to prove eligibility to sit them, you cannot just ask to sit the exams, I dont know anyone with both tickets.
The exam for construction is mostly code (regs), where you are allowed to have access to the code book.
The industrial is mainly theory, with some, but a lot less code. Again code books are supplied but all theory based questions must be studied for.

My circumstances were different in that I got a job offer as a technician, which did not need a license, this gave me time to study for my Electrician Red Seal Journeyman ticket whilst working- yes, I came over on a work permit and then my PRI was fast tracked (thankyou Manitoba) but I am not sure if this is automatic.

Passing the exam is not easy and was quite traumatic for me, and even when I passed, I experienced culture shock as I discovered the vast differences in construction methods and terminology. I spent my first 6 months in Canada as a tech on low money, then when I passed my Journeymans, I stayed on 4th Level Apprentice money (mutual agreement until I got up to speed) this was in a Construction environment for a further 6 months, then I was lucky enough to be hired by the R.C. Mint and get back into my Maintenance background.

You need to get as much advice as possible from the apprentice branch, provincial government website and I also recommend approaching the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers branch in your chosen province (trade union).
A few costly international phone calls are well worth getting the facts to prepare you better.

I live 25 mins East outside of Winnipeg, this is quite far out but it is an easy commute as the Mint is on the Eastern city limits.

Regards

Darren

Re: Redseal certification
 

Contact BC health and safety they send them and email attach all your qualification diplomas and they will tell you what you will need to do to be qualified in BC.

Re: Redseal certification
 

hello
does anybody know what paper work i need to have in order to challenge the red seal exam in Alberta and also in BC (or are the requirements the sane in both provinces?) or does anybody know of any websites that can help me find out thus info?
gill,how did you find out what was required for Ontario?
also do you already need to have a job offer in place to sit the exam?
thanx
lee.

Re: Redseal certification
 

:o:o:o:o woody woodside has already told me in the thread above how to find out what is req in BC

Re: Redseal certification
 

Lee

simple answer really - "i just asked" :p
Did the search, andy rung up ministry of training and sorted out the test.
Was told that we could take the test in barrie and toronto, but wanted to visit around london, so contacted the ministry in london and YEP he can sit the test there!!

And to top it all off he has an interview for a company in the london area :thumbsup::thumbsup:
SEE it can work out...right more emails and resumes to send off for him, personal PA's job never finishes :thumbsup::thumbsup:

gill --- plus no you dont need job offer to sit test, but you do need qualifications and experience in the trade and be-able to prove it!!

Re: Redseal certification
 

http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca/-all about trades certification in alberta
http://www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore/...=4057-textbook prep to exam
http://www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore/...=4180-codebook itself

Re: Redseal certification
 

Coolzac...cannot get those links to work?

Anyone... can you direct me to where I can do a distance learning course to study for the canadian construction electrician exams (Redseal)?

UK Sparky C&G 2330, 2381, 2391 2356 (NVQ3), JIB and NICEIC registered. Applied for a Skilled worker visa, got AOR back Feb 07. Don't want to wait nother 4 years for visa so looking at how I can get Canadian quals whilst still in UK then get a job and visa.

Any helpgreatly appreciated.:thumbup:

Re: Redseal certification
 

I am not aware of a Canadian college that offers trade courses via distance education. The BE members who have qualified as electricians in Canada have ordered the study materials from Canada while they still were in the UK, have studied on their own at home, and then have written the Red Seal exam in Canada.

Places from which you can order the study materials include Canadian Standards Association, Orderline, and P. S. Knight.

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary offers some distance courses. When I look at the School of Construction within the Distance Education section of the website, however, I do not find a course for electricians.

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi, this self evaluation CD might be of use, maybe talk to the people there too,

http://www.meleague.net/id13.html

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi!

I have just ordered for my husband through CSA Order (Google search)

Part 1 20th Edition Electrical Code CAN$85.00

Electrical Code Simplified, Commercial & Industrial 2006 CAN$85.00

ESAT CD-ROM Electrician's Self Assessment Tool CAN$95.00

Shipping CAN$30.00 takes about 10 days

Had to ring through, choose head office and asked to be put through orderline.

Gentleman thought it was more than enough for the exams.

Rob needs to take both exams (1)Domestic/Commercial & (2)Industrial


Hope this helps!

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

Thanks for the replies. I am hoping to go to Alberta and I have noticed there are books for each state?? Likewise the self-assessment guide looks like it is aimed at Manitoba?
Angela, which books are just for the Domestic exams? Is your husband planning on self-study alone, then a trip to do the exam?

Complete newbie and starting to get a little overwhelmed by the whole idea. :ohmy:

Re: Redseal certification
 

Hi

I know what you mean, it's seems crazy but we'll get there.

It looks like a few provinces are under the same code book? Can't see why you say it's more for Manitoba?

The ESAT CD-ROM looks like a good idea before taking the exam.

I'm sure if you ring CSA orderline and ask them they will tell you.

Yes, he is doing the 'Red Seal' exam before going to Canada on a temp visa while we wait for our PR. We could not find any home studies other than these recommended books. I'm sure this will be OK. You can re-sit the exams 2 days later if you fail. Gill says her husband is taking the exam in August, so will wait to see how he finds it.

Does anyone know where the Manitoba 'Red Seal' exam is taken place?

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

Angela

You can sit the exam once you know if you have failed or not :(

Hubby has only interest in industrial/commerical so sitting the test in ontario as this is where we want to be :thumbsup:
Dont know about other areas, i know darren lives in winnipeg and is the guy for that area, he has given me some good pointers over time.
The only way we have got on is ask ask and ask some more.
Use google.ca to do the search, follow links, ask trade people where you can, if anyone needs links within ontario i can help, but outside of ontario havent a clue :eek:

gill

Re: Redseal certification
 

Gill

Spoke to the Manitoba Apprentice.

Like everyone else have to prove that he is competent. Blar, blar, blar.......

Then if he can take the 'Red Seal' exam and passes he needs to register with the Licence Dept of labour, ONLY THEN HE CAN WORK; unless under an apprenticeship. I know now that you can only take one exam, because you have to prove which area in the last 6 yrs you have been actively working in. Rob has experience in both field domestic and commercial, so they are suggesting for him to take the 'construction' exam. He also suggested, if anyone is interested, to look at the terminology regarding A/C fundamentals and PLC'S. Also, I know that the books I mentioned earlier are the right ones.

Manitoba said they would do a review first, look at his experience and his qualifications before submitting an application. This can take several months, good job we've got plenty of time.

Hope this helps again!

Angela

Re: Redseal certification
 

Angela

When we looked at manitoba they advised that we could getthis done whilst there, to meet them and see if he can sit the test etc etc

He could take the trip and get the licience, doesnt need to take months realy, just another recci trip!!
We have just decided instead of me going away with kids like i normally do, we will have a holiday as well as a recci trip

I know andy will sit the industrial exam, so not sure if he will be able to help you on any questions as different field of work :unsure:
Good luck with the search and do remember that manitobia have pnp for electricians :thumbsup:

gill

Re: Redseal certification
 

This may help
http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/immigrat...struction.html

check out there website they have some good info
also the pnp route is there with some good links


gill

Re: Redseal certification
 

Gill

Thanks for info.

Manitoba says you can arrange for a review FIRST before going over to take the exam, they will then tell you what is the most suitable exam to take. Due to a death of a Senior colleague there is a slight back log until position is filled.

We have plenty of time!

Also, because Rob is Self-Employed he has to list every job and time spent to prove his experience, along side any evidence and qualifications. They go by calendar days/hours, what a DRAG!!! :curse: Previously to Rob's Self-Employment the company he worked for as Industrial/Commercial Electrician have gone BUST, no longer trading. :curse: Oh! well what the hell!

I think in Rob's case it's worth checking out everything FIRST before taking the exam.

FOR ANYBODY IF INTERESTED:

Useful Tele No: Arranging 'Red Seal' Exam in Manitoba

Manitoba Apprentice:

Brian Neal 001-204-9453345 or General Line 001-204-9453337

Angela


Many Thanks Gill, keep it coming, any info & links etc, etc!! :thumbsup: