Study to assess trade qualifications underway

Project will help clear the way for skilled British and Irish tradespeople to work in Canada

London, March 14, 2014 — A new international study that will help British and Irish trained tradespeople assess their skills against Canadian criteria is being supported by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Employment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney was on hand in London, England, to witness the signing of an agreement between the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and the United Kingdom’s National Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC).

CIC is providing support to the ACCC to conduct the study and UK NARIC will act as a sub-contractor. The project is a component of the CIC-funded Canadian Immigrant Integration Program, which provides newcomers with labour market information and to help them gain employment that reflects their skills, credentials and experience.

The study will identify how British and Irish trade qualifications match up against Canadian requirements across nine skill areas that are in high demand across Canada: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Construction Electrician, Welder, Carpenter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Plumber, Machinist, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and Powerline Technician.

Read full article at www.cic.gc.ca