 Designated
Occupations: A New Approach to Certification
What are
designated occupations?
A designated occupation is an occupation that has been approved by the
Minister of Learning on the recommendation of the specific industry and
the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. Designated occupations
have established competencies. When an individual demonstrates the standards
of competence, the Minister grants an occupational certificate. Participation
in a designated occupation is voluntary and a certificate is not required
for an individual to work in the occupation.
Applicants for certification in a designated occupation may achieve the
required competencies without following a prescribed process. Some designated
occupations may have formal training; some may have only work experience;
and some may have a combination of formal training and work experience.
Each designated occupation is as different as the industry that sponsored
it. Currently, there are four designated occupations:
- Warehousing
- Plasterer
- Gas Utility
Operator
- Construction
Craft Labourer
Who identifies
the standards of a designated occupation?
The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board, on the recommendation
of industry, establishes the standards of competence.
What is
the individual responsible for?
The individual is responsible for acquiring the competencies needed for
the occupation. The individual is also responsible for paying any tuition
fee or associated fees for formal training. Participation in a designated
occupation is voluntary. An individual does not have to participate to
keep working. Wage rates are not regulated. Once the standards set by
industry are demonstrated the individual will be awarded an occupational
certificate.
Who pays?
The individual is responsible for paying any tuition fee, classroom fees
or other associated fees. Some employers provide financial support with
tuition fees and associated costs.
Why would
an individual want to become involved in a designated occupation?
For individuals, a designated occupation provides:
- recognition
of achieved standards of competency in the form of an occupational certificate
- greater
mobility within their occupation and industry
- more opportunities
for career development, improved job satisfaction and self-esteem, and
increased confidence based on industry established standards.
Why would
an employer want to become involved in a designated occupation?
For employers, associations or labour organizations, a designated occupation
provides:
- common standards
that meet industry's need to recognize a skilled and mobile workforce
and that improve the competitiveness of the entire industry
- greater
ease in recruiting, promoting and compensating employees because of
consistent standards
- an assurance
of competence in the occupation
- greater
morale through increased employee self-esteem
- the knowledge
that staff are fully certified and skilled workers
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