7 Questions (but not 7 answers) about the new “Federal Skilled Trades Program”

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Minister Jason Kenney just announced a couple of hours ago the new “Federal Skilled Trades Program”.

With this new program, they will target the lack of trade workers in some Provinces and Territories. They promised to make this a fast, reliable program… I hope so.

I want to share with you the information provided in the News Release and also some other questions that still have no answer…

The questions they answered in the News Release…

When is this new program starting?

The new Federal Skilled Trades Program is being launched on January 2, 2013.

What are the requirements to apply?

In order to qualify, applicants will need to:

1. have an offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory to ensure that applicants are “job ready” upon arrival;
2. meet a basic language requirement;
3. have a minimum of two years of work experience as a skilled tradesperson, to ensure that the applicant has recent and relevant practice as a qualified journeyman; and
4. have the skills and experience that match those set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC B) system, showing that they have performed the essential duties of the occupation.

How many applications will be accepted every year?

In order to manage intake, avoid backlogs and ensure fast processing times, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will accept up to a maximum of 3,000 applications in the first year of the Federal Skilled Trades Program

What are the eligible occupations?

Eligible occupations will include electricians, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and pipefitters, among others. CIC is currently working with the provinces, territories and federal government partners on the list of skilled trades’ occupations that are experiencing acute labour shortages and which will qualify under the program. This list will be announced prior to the program opening on January 2, 2013.

And other questions that still have no answers…

• What is a “certificate of qualification from a province or territory” and how am I going to obtain it?
• What is a “basic language requirement” and how do I provide proof of it?
• How long is it going to take CIC to process these applications?
• How is the process going to be?

Do you have any other questions in mind? As soon as I find out more information I’ll keep you posted.