Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Statutory definition
IRPR s 77 defines FSTP eligibility: 2 years of full-time skilled trade experience in the 5 years preceding the application; a valid job offer from one or more Canadian employers OR a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority; and minimum language benchmarks (CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening; CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing). Eligible trades are in NOC major groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, and minor groups 632 and 633.
Explanation
The FSTP was introduced in 2013 to address labour shortages in the skilled trades. The lower language requirement (CLB 5/4 vs CLB 7 for FSWP) recognises the different language demands of trade work. The requirement for a valid job offer or Canadian trades certificate creates a chicken-and-egg problem for applicants without Canadian experience. Achieving only the minimum CLB thresholds generates relatively few CRS points — FSTP candidates should maximise their language scores to improve CRS competitiveness.