🎓 Trade Credentials
What Does It Mean to Be a Blue Seal Tradesperson in Alberta?
Alberta’s Blue Seal certification is a unique credential that bridges technical skill and business leadership.
It’s designed for journeypersons who want to move from the tools into management, entrepreneurship, or teaching — while proving they understand both their trade and the business of trades.
What the Blue Seal Represents
The Blue Seal program recognizes trades professionals who have completed business training on top of their Red Seal or provincial journeyperson certificate.
It signals that a tradesperson not only meets the highest technical standards, but also understands areas like accounting, marketing, project management, and human resources.
“The Blue Seal shows employers, clients, and colleagues that you’re serious about leadership, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.”
How to Earn a Blue Seal in Alberta
- Hold a valid Alberta Journeyperson or Red Seal certificate.
- Complete an approved business education program — examples include:
- A diploma or degree in business, commerce, or management.
- Courses in accounting, entrepreneurship, economics, or business administration.
- Submit your application to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) with proof of your education and certification.
AIT evaluates your credentials and, once approved, issues a distinctive Blue Seal certificate you can proudly add to your portfolio.
Do Other Provinces Offer a Blue Seal?
Alberta is currently the only province that officially grants a Blue Seal.
However, the concept of combining technical and business training is gaining attention across Canada.
Other provinces recognize Alberta’s Blue Seal as a sign of professional growth, even if they don’t issue it themselves.
For interprovincial mobility, your Red Seal remains the key credential recognized nationwide.
The Blue Seal simply adds an Alberta-based layer of business credibility on top.
Red Seal vs. Blue Seal: What’s the Difference?
🔴 Red Seal
Confirms you meet national standards for your trade and allows you to work anywhere in Canada.
🔵 Blue Seal
Recognizes your completion of business studies — showing leadership and entrepreneurial readiness within Alberta’s trade system.
Think of it like this: Red Seal = technical mastery, while Blue Seal = business mastery.
Why It Matters
The Blue Seal can open doors to supervisory roles, estimator positions, and even starting your own business.
It’s also valued by employers looking for tradespeople who can manage projects, budgets, and teams — not just perform the hands-on work.
“Earning your Blue Seal shows you’re ready to build not just things — but a business.”