In the construction industry in Quebec, the 150-hour guarantee is an official mechanism provided by the Regulation on the Issuance of Competency Certificates.
It allows certain individuals to enter the industry by obtaining an apprentice competency certificate (CCA) or an occupation competency certificate (CCO).
Here is everything you need to know to understand how it works and to find a 150-hour guarantee quickly.

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What is a 150-hour guarantee?

A 150-hour guarantee is an official commitment from an employer registered with the CCQ to offer a candidate a minimum of 150 hours of work spread over a maximum period of three months.

This document must be completed on the official "Employment Guarantee / Letter of Commitment" form from the CCQ.
It is a regulatory condition for accessing certain competency certificates when the candidate does not otherwise meet the admission criteria.

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Who needs a 150-hour guarantee in construction?

For most people wishing to enter the industry with an apprentice competency certificate (CCA), a job guarantee of at least 150 hours over three months is required.

Some exceptions exist, but they are strictly defined:

Female Graduates

Female graduates in a recognized trade can obtain a competency certificate without having to provide a job guarantee or a letter of commitment.
This measure is part of the facilitated access provisions.

Non-Graduate Women, First Nations, and Inuit

Non-graduate women and individuals from First Nations and Inuit can sometimes access a competency certificate under special measures provided by the regulation.
For example, they may be eligible when the workforce pool for the trade is 30% or less, or as part of inclusion programs provided by the CCQ.

Other Candidates

For all other candidates who are not eligible through these measures, the 150-hour guarantee remains mandatory to obtain an apprentice competency certificate or an occupation competency certificate.

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How does the 150-hour guarantee work?

Official Employer Commitment

The employer must guarantee a minimum of 150 hours of work over a maximum period of three months.
They must be an employer registered with the CCQ.

Official Form

The guarantee must be produced on the CCQ form provided for this purpose.
This document is then submitted to the CCQ as part of the certificate application.

Role of the CCQ

Once the guarantee is validated, the CCQ can issue an apprentice competency certificate or an occupation competency certificate according to the requested trade.

Limits of the Commitment

The guarantee only covers the 150 hours.
No rule forces the employer to keep the worker beyond these hours.
The extension or continuation of employment depends entirely on the company's needs.

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What happens once the 150 hours are completed?

Once the 150 hours are worked:

Transmission of Hours

The hours are transmitted to the CCQ and become valid in the worker's file.

Maintenance or Renewal of the Certificate

After the 150 hours, the certificate can be maintained or renewed according to the regular renewal rules of the CCQ.
These hours also contribute to the apprentice's progression in the levels of their trade.

End or Continuation of Employment

Beyond the 150 hours, the employer has no regulatory obligation to extend the contract.
Any continuation depends on the worker's performance and the actual needs of the site.

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How to find a 150-hour guarantee quickly?

There is no official rule indicating how a candidate should find an employer offering a 150-hour guarantee.
However, some methods are faster than others.
ConstruMD greatly facilitates this process with its system of filterable job offers.

Step 1: Access the Job Page

On ConstruMD, click on "Jobs" in the main menu.

Step 2: Select the "150-Hour Guarantee" Filter

In the search filters, check the option "150-Hour Guarantee".

Step 3: Apply the Filters

Click on "Apply Filters" to display all the offers.

Step 4: Create an Account to Receive Alerts

Creating an account allows you to automatically receive alerts as soon as a new job offering a 150-hour guarantee is posted.
This increases your chances of being among the first to apply.

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Conclusion

The 150-hour guarantee is an official condition for accessing a competency certificate for most new construction workers.
Some facilitated access measures apply to specific groups, but in most cases, the guarantee remains essential.

With ConstruMD, it is possible to quickly identify employers who offer these guarantees and effectively apply for the right opportunities.