To request that an occupation be designated as compulsory, an application form must be submitted to the Director of the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD). The application will be reviewed, and may be returned to the applicant for revision, or additional information if needed. The Director will notify the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board (PACB), at the next scheduled meeting, that the application has been received. If the application is accepted, it will proceed to a formal review. Information from the applicant will be validated and if required, consultation will be held with other regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.

In reviewing an application, consideration will be given to:

• the employment opportunities and challenges for the occupation/trade in the next 5 years;
• the need for apprenticeship training (formal training and work experience);
• the skills and technical knowledge required, and industry’s desire to train for or recognize these skills and knowledge;
• whether the trade would provide a valuable career;
• the degree to which the skills and technical knowledge required overlaps with those required for existing trades, including the potential for duplication of existing training or certification in any other occupation;
• the extent of industry/stakeholder support for the designation;
• whether the designation would require further authorization or approval by other government departments or agencies;
• the impact the designation would have to consumers, environmental protection, and public health and safety, in Newfoundland and Labrador and other provinces/territories; and
• whether the estimated annual number of new apprentices entering the trade could sustain a viable training program.

Additional considerations include:

• the degree of risk of harm to workers, the general public and the environment from the improper application of the materials and methodology of the trade, or the activity or product produced by the trade;
• the demonstrated need for proven competency to perform the work, due to the presence or use of any or all of the following: dangerous substances; dangerous or destructive equipment; dangerous techniques or practices; codes, regulations and standards for the occupation; scientific laws and principles; ethical and professional standards and obligations; engineering or architectural drawings; system functionality; manipulation of tools; and safety and work procedures;
• provincial ability to deliver training and certification if approved;
• impacts (including financial) on key stakeholders including existing workers in the occupation, training providers, government, consumers and the general public;
• geographical discrepancies, grand-parenting, intra-governmental legislation and enforcement, among other impacts, to be examined; and
• impacts on the labour market.

A formal written report will be compiled by ATCD for submission to the PACB, and the applicant may be asked to present and discuss the application. Other stakeholders may be asked to appear, or may request the opportunity to present as well.

The PACB will review the application, and make a final decision. The applicant will be informed of the decision in writing. If the PACB is in favour of the trade becoming compulsory certified, a recommendation will be made to the Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills . If the recommendation is accepted, a formal request will be made to Cabinet for consideration.