What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is an independent review of an apprenticeship program to ensure it meets high standards, based on the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) or Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS) and reflected in the Plan of Training. Programs are initially accredited for a three-year period. To maintain accreditation, training institutions must apply for re-accreditation before it expires. Re-accreditation lasts for a five-year period.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation benefits all involved:
- The Public: Receive quality service from graduates of accredited trade programs.
- Employers: Hire graduates with the necessary skill competencies that are ready to work.
- Training Institutions: Provide quality programs that meet industry standards, leading to highly skilled graduates.
- Faculty: Receive professional development to keep instruction aligned with industry needs.
- Graduates: Gain industry-approved skills, setting them up for success in the job market.
- Journeypersons: Ensure the credibility of the trade is maintained with high quality standards.
How Accreditation Works
To begin the accreditation process, training institutions should review the Accreditation Resource Manual, complete and submit an application, and pay the required fee. Programs are assessed through an analysis of program elements. If all requirements are met through the application, a site visit is arranged.
During the one-day site visit, the accreditation team will assess everything about the learning environment, from facilities and equipment to curriculum materials and the opinions of students and instructors about the training. All of this is measured against the curriculum and accreditation standards. Graduate and employer feedback on the program is also gathered.
Afterward, the accreditation team submits a final recommendation to the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board for accreditation status.
Documents Used During the Accreditation Process
| Accreditation Resource Manual (click here to open or print document) |
| Apprenticeship Accreditation Application (click here to open or print document) |
| Annual Maintenance Report (click here to open or print document) |
Accreditation Fees
| New Accreditation Application: $4,000 per program |
| Five-year Re-accreditation or Audit: $1,000 per program |
| Apprenticeship Training Site Inspection: $450 per program |
| Annual Maintenance Report: $200 per report |
The Accreditation Team
The team includes a Program Development Specialist from the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division and one or two journeypersons from industry. During the one-day site visit, the team will assess everything from facilities and curriculum materials to faculty credentials and student feedback.
If you are a journeyperson and want to join an accreditation team, consider submitting an Accreditation Team Application form – your expertise is valuable! For additional information on the roles and responsibilities of team members, visit Program Accreditation Team Member Information.
Questions?
For more information on accreditation, email accreditation@gov.nl.ca