December 12, 2024

Dear Member,

For years, IBEW 2034 has been a strong advocate for our members to gain access to nationally designated Red Seal trade certification for skilled trades. We are thrilled to announce that, as of October 30, 2024, the necessary regulatory changes have been made to bring this to reality for Powerline Technicians and Powerline Journeypersons right here in Manitoba!  Since October 30th, we have been in regular contact with the Apprenticeship Board regarding updates to the website and onboarding of the new forms.  We anticipate that these updates will be completed early in the new year.

If you are interested in attaining your Red Seal designation, please reach out to Eduardo Novello at 204-794-3746 or TradesQ@gov.mb.ca to initiate the process and discuss the next steps. After contacting Eduardo, please also notify Troy Craig at tcraig@ibew2034.com at the IBEW 2034 office.  This will help us ensure the process proceeds smoothly and includes complementary refresher training hosted by Manitoba Hydro.

Please find the original details from Apprenticeship Manitoba below.

Sincerely,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034

Dear IBEW stakeholder:

We are pleased to advise you of the following regulatory changes to Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system, coming into force on October 30,2024, and how they will affect the occupation of Powerline Technician.

The regulatory changes are designed to enable efficient program response to emerging industry needs, align Manitoba with interprovincial Red Seal standards, and to focus on the high-quality of apprentice training and safety. Combined, these regulatory changes will help us to modernize and streamline the apprenticeship and certification system and to provide the best experience possible to our clients.

As part of this change, effective October 30, Powerline Technician will become a designate occupation in Manitoba.

This change will more closely align Manitoba with Interprovincial Red Seal Standards, and will enhance training quality and worker safety in Manitoba. Certification as a Powerline Technician will be available exclusively through the Trades Qualification process. There is no apprenticeship program for this occupation.

We are excited about this new opportunity for Powerline Technicians across the province of Manitoba and encourage you to share this information with your clients and partners.

Please keep an eye on the Apprenticeship Manitoba website for more information about the Trades Qualification process and when it will be available for Powerline Technician, at www.manitoba.ca/apprenticeship.

If you have any further questions pertaining to the regulatory amendments or program standards updates, please contact me directly, at 204-794-3746 or TradesQ@gov.mb.caif you require additional information.

Sincerely,

Eduardo Novello

A/Trades Qualification Assessor

Apprenticeship Manitoba

Workforce Development

Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources

100 - 111 Lombard Ave | Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T4

TradesQ@gov.mb.ca

www.manitoba.ca