Who can work in a designated trade?

🔧 Trades with Restricted Activities

Most of Alberta's designated trades include restricted activities.

• Restricted activities are specific tasks and functions that can only be performed by individuals who meet certain requirements.
• A list of restricted activities for each trade can be found in the Trade Profile. 

To legally perform restricted activities, you must be either:

• a registered apprentice, or
• a qualified tradesperson 

What does it mean to be a qualified tradesperson?

🔒Compulsory Certification: If the trade's restricted activities require compulsory certification, you must hold either a:

• journeyperson certificate, or
• a recognized trade certificate.

Look for the yellow 'Compulsory' circle on the Trade Profiles listing to find these trades.

🛠️ Optional Certification: If the trade's restricted activities allow for optional certification, your employer determines whether you are qualified.

• You do not need formal certification.
• Your employer must believe that you have the same skills and knowledge as a certified tradesperson.

These trades do not have the yellow 'Compulsory' circle on the Trade Profiles listing.

🚫Trades without Restricted Activities

Some designated trades have no restricted activities, meaning anyone can work within the trades, regardless of registration, experience, or certification. 

• A list of these trades can be found here. 

Learn More 

📄 More information is available in the Restricted Activities Information Sheet.