MILESTONES

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1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

 

Milestones – the 1930s

1936

  • Tradesmen’s Qualification Act proclaimed – allows for apprenticeship and trade certification in designated trades

  • Trades designated:
    - Barber (Hairstylist)
    - Electrician
    - Gasfitter (Gasfitter 1st Class)
    - Mechanic Engaged in Acetylene Gas Welding (Welder)
    - Mechanic Engaged in Electric Welding (Welder)
    - Mechanic Engaged in the Repair and Construction of Automobile Engines (Automotive Service Technician and Auto Body Technician – Collision and Refinishing)
    - Mechanic Engaged in the Repair and Construction of Boilers (Boilermaker)
    - Mechanic Engaged in the Repair and Construction of Internal Combustion Engines (Heavy Equipment Technician)
    - Mechanic Engaged in the Repair and Construction of Refrigerating Machines (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic)
    - Mechanic Engaged in the Repair and Construction of Steam Engines (Power Engineer)
    - Plumbing and Steamfitting
    - Radio Technician (Electronic Technician)
    - Refrigerator Mechanic (Appliance Service Technician)
    - Steamfitter (Steamfitter – Pipefitter)

  • Most apprenticeship programs require five years of on-the-job training for 1st class status. Some programs, like Radio Technician, require only two years

  • Fees for apprenticeship include:
    - $5 for examination
    - $3 for temporary certification
    - $2 for apprenticeship certification

  • Certification of Proficiency is awarded upon successful completion of apprenticeship training, and requires an annual renewal

 

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Milestones – the 1940s

1942

  • Examining Boards are appointed under the Tradesmen’s Qualification Act

 

1945

  • Provincial Apprenticeship and Tradesmen’s Qualification Board appointed

  • First Industry Provincial Advisory Committees established

  • Trades designated:
    - Beautician
    - Bricklayer
    - Carpenter
    - Painter and Wallpaper Hanger and Decorator (Painter and Decorator)
    - Plasterer

  • First apprentice registers

 

1946

  • The Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (Calgary) and the Canadian Vocational Training School (Calgary) begin providing training courses for apprentices

  • Trades designated:
    - Sheet Metal (Sheet Metal Worker)

 

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Milestones – the 1950s

1952

  • Trade designated:
    - Refrigeration Mechanic (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic)

  • 4 active apprenticeship offices located in Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie and Lethbridge

 

1955

  • Apprentices registered – 3,638

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 2,250

 

1956

  • Trades designated:
    - Machinist
    - Millwright
  • Apprentices registered – 3,876

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 2,787

 

1957

  • Trades designated:
    - Cook
    - Lather (amalgamated with Interior Systems Mechanic in 1981)
  • Apprentices registered – 4,266

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 3,063

 

1958

  • The Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) program is established to make it easier for tradespeople to have their certification recognized nationally
  • Apprentices registered – 4,462

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 3,182

  • Apprentices completed – 629

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 1,668

 

1959

  • An awards system recognizing top-ranking apprentices is established

  • Motor Mechanic Trade (Automotive Service Technician) is the first Alberta designated trade to be recognized for Interprovincial (Red Seal) status
  • Apprentices registered – 4,789

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 3,478

  • Apprentices completed – 641

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 1,706

 

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Milestones – the 1960s

1960

  • The Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (Calgary) becomes the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the Alberta College of Art
  • Certificates for Electricians and Gasfitters are issued by Electrical and Gas Protection Branch – training and examinations are done by Apprenticeship
  • Trades designated:
    - Communication Electrician (Communication Electrician – Network and Communication Electrician – Construction)
    - Tilesetter
  • Apprentices registered – 4,777

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 3,773

  • Apprentices completed – 916

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 2,235

 

1961

  • The first Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Examination is administered

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Carpenter
    - Plumber

  • Trades designated:
    - Instrument Mechanic (Instrument Technician)
    - Power Lineman
  • Apprentices registered – 4,782

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 3,701

  • Apprentices completed – 921

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 2,343

 

1962

  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) opens

  • Canadian Vocational School (Calgary) closes

  • Welding Act is made the responsibility of Apprenticeship

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Electrician
    - Sheet Metal Worker
  • Apprentices registered – 5,153

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 3,538

  • Apprentices completed – 883

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 2,224

 

1963

  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has first apprenticeship classes for Communication Electrician

  • Trades designated:
    - Power Electrician (Power Lineman and Power System Electrician are combined)
    - Baker
    - Appliance Serviceman

  • Total number of designated trades is 24
  • Apprentices registered – 5,066

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 4,360

  • Apprentices completed – 1,018

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 6,770

 

1964

  • 10,000th apprentice in an Alberta-designated trade graduates

  • Record Book is implemented as part of the apprenticeship training program

  • Lethbridge Community College and Fairview Agricultural and Vocational College begin providing training courses to apprentices

  • Saskatchewan apprentices take technical training in Calgary – 1st interprovincial cooperation

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Auto Body Technician – Collision and Repair
  • Apprentices registered – 5,293

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 4,480

  • Apprentices completed – 873

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 2,710

 

1965

  • Multiple choice apprenticeship examinations are introduced

  • Apprenticeship training programs have been in place for 20 years

  • Student loans are available to apprentices

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Electronic Technician
    - Refrigeration Mechanic

  • Trades designated:
    - Glassworker (Glazier)
    - Ironworker (later separated into three trades – Ironworker, Boilermaker and Steel Fabricator)
  • Apprentices registered – 6,055

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 4,840

  • Apprentices completed – 809

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 2,457

 

1966

  • Red Deer apprenticeship office opens

  • First employer to deliver apprenticeship technical training to its own apprentices

  • Apprentices receive a training allowance while attending technical training

  • Trades designated:
    - Partsman (Parts Technician)
  • Apprentices registered – 7,130

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 6,147

  • Apprentices completed – 1,138

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 3,276

 

1967

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Bricklayer
    - Machinist
    - Steamfitter
  • Apprentices registered – 7,797

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 6,941

  • Apprentices completed – 1,181

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 3,656

 

1968

  • Trades designated:
    - Electrical Rewind Mechanic (Electrical Motor Systems Technician)
    - Floorcovering Mechanic (Floorcovering Installer)
  • Apprentices registered – 8,642

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 8,020

  • Apprentices completed – 1,425

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,552

 

1969

  • Trades designated:
    - Elevator Constructor
  • Apprentices registered – 9,239

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 8,099

  • Apprentices completed – 1,768

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,098

 

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Milestones – the 1970s

1970

  • Alberta begins to provide some technical training for other provinces and territories

  • Trades designated:
    - Agricultural Mechanic (Agricultural Equipment Technician)
    - Insulator
  • Apprentices registered – 9,243

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 8,888

  • Apprentices completed – 1,942

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,387

 

1971

  • Trades designated:
    - Roofer
  • Apprentices registered – 8,716

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 8,599

  • Apprentices completed – 1,978

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,122

 

1972

  • Olds College begins providing training courses to apprentices

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Cook
    - Painter

  • Trades designated:
    - Heavy Equipment Operator (Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane, Tower Crane and Heavy Boom Truck)
  • Apprentices registered – 8,898

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 8,489

  • Apprentices completed – 2,114

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,320

 

1973

  • Apprentices registered – 9,596

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 8,293

  • Apprentices completed – 1,849

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 3,632

 

1974

  • Trades designated:
    - Cabinetmaker
    - Water Well Driller
  • Apprentices registered – 11,280

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 8,978

  • Apprentices completed – 1,826

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 3,960

 

1975

  • Fort McMurray apprenticeship office opens

  • Keyano College in Fort McMurray begins providing training courses to apprentices

  • Steamfitter trade name changed to Steamfitter – Pipefitter
  • Apprentices registered – 13,303

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 10,745

  • Apprentices completed – 1,792

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,429

 

1976

  • Manpower Development Act is proclaimed – amalgamates the Apprenticeship, Tradesmen’s Qualification and Welding Acts

  • New Act results in the restructuring of the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Board, raising the number of committee members from 5 to 13 – with equal representation from both employers and employees

  • Lakeland College begins providing training courses to apprentices at both the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Instrument Technician

  • The 30,000th Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship (since the inception of the apprenticeship program in 1945) was issued

  • Total number of apprenticeship and certification programs is 39
  • Apprentices registered – 16,059

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 12,932

  • Apprentices completed – 2,333

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,031

 

1977

  • First non-civil servant is appointed as Chairman of the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Board

  • Vermilion apprenticeship office opens

  • Metric system is introduced to a number of apprenticeship training courses

  • Steamfitter is separated from the Plumber trade regulation
  • Apprentices registered – 18,327

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 14,359

  • Apprentices completed – 2,816

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 6,210

 

1978

  • Red Deer College begins providing training courses to apprentices

  • Hinton apprenticeship office opens

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are introduced to apprentices attending technical training

  • Trades designated:
    - Sprinkler Fitter (Sprinkler System Installer)
    - Boilermaker (separated from Steel Fabricator)
  • Apprentices registered – 19,805

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 15,992

  • Apprentices completed – 3,404

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 6,856

 

1979

  • Fairview College (Grande Prairie) and Medicine Hat College begin providing training courses to apprentices

  • Peace River apprenticeship office opens

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Welder
    - Power Lineman
    - Boilermaker
  • Apprentices registered – 22,525


  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 17,485


  • Apprentices completed – 3,605


  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 7,477

 

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Milestones – the 1980s

1980

  • Trades designated:
    - Printing and Graphic Arts Craftsman
    - Transport Refrigeration Mechanic
    - Ironworker (separated from Steel Fabricator trade regulation)
  • Apprentices registered – 25,699

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 18,799

  • Apprentices completed – 4,175

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 9,543

 

1981

  • Medicine Hat apprenticeship office opens
  • Apprentices registered – 28,157

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 20,049

  • Apprentices completed – 4,360

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 8,796

 

1982

  • Apprenticeship and Industry Training begins issuance of Electrical and Gasfitter Journeyman Certification (previously issued by Electrical and Gas Protection Branch)

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Sprinkler Systems Installer
  • Apprentices registered – 27,953

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 21,975

  • Apprentices completed – 5,152

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 13,338

 

1983

  • Trades designated:
    - Landscape Gardener
    - Power System Electrician (previously under Power Electrician trade regulation)
    - Power Lineman (previously under Power Electrician trade regulation)
    - Recreation Vehicle Mechanic (Recreation Vehicle Service Technician)
  • Apprentices registered – 24,188

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 20,468

  • Apprentices completed – 5,276

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 17,500

 

1984

  • Trades designated:
    - Cement Finisher (Concrete Finisher)
    - Motorcycle Mechanic
    - Sawfiler
    - Tool and Die Maker (certification only – no training program)
  • Apprentices registered – 19,976

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 16,483

  • Apprentices completed – 5,164

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 10,287

 

1985

  • Bonnyville apprenticeship office opens
  • Apprentices registered – 19,017

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 13,020

  • Apprentices completed – 4,655

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 8,448

 

1986

  • Apprentices registered – 18,693

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 12,032

  • Apprentices completed – 4,898

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 9,684

 

1987

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Roofer

  • Trades designated:
    - Projectionist (certification only – no training program)
  • Apprentices registered – 18,703

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 15,491

  • Apprentices completed – 3,856

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 6,002

 

1988

  • Competency Based Apprenticeship Training (CBAT) is initiated as a pilot project for the Carpenter, Electrician and Welder trades at Lethbridge Community College, SAIT, NAIT and Red Deer College

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Hairstylist
  • Apprentices registered – 19,631

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 13,880

  • Apprentices completed – 3,480

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,048

 

1989

  • International Training Initiative between Alberta and the State of Dubai (United Emirates) commences with 3 millwright apprentices

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Glazier

  • Trades designated:
    - Locksmith
    - Circular Sawfiler
  • Apprentices registered – 20,953


  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 14,236


  • Apprentices completed – 3,669

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 6,389

 

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Milestones – the 1990s

1990

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Baker

  • Trades designated:
    - Gasfitter 2nd Class
  • Apprentices registered – 22,574

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 15,413

  • Apprentices completed – 3,628

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,932

 

1991

  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for high school students is initiated
  • Apprentices registered – 22,051

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 16,253

  • Apprentices completed – 3,866

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 6,478

 

1992

  • Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Act replaces the Manpower Development Act
    - designation of Occupations is part of the AIT Act
    - all associated Regulations are changed

  • Skills Canada established – dedicated to the promotion of apprenticeship training among Canada’s youth

  • CBAT training expanded to include other trades and institutions

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Parts Technician
  • Apprentices registered – 21,812

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 14,660

  • Apprentices completed – 3,816

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,294

 

1993

  • Barber and Beautician trades are combined into the Hairstylist trade

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Floorcovering Installer
  • Apprentices registered – 21,399

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 13,224

  • Apprentices completed – 4,198

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,799

 

1994

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Tool and Die Maker
  • Apprentices registered – 21,546

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 12,434

  • Apprentices completed – 4,174

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,406

 

1995

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Motorcycle Mechanic
    - Cabinetmaker

  • Trades designated:
    - Ironworker – Metal Building Systems Erector

  • Occupations designated:
    - Gas Utility Operator
    - Plasterer
  • Apprentices registered – 23,407

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 12,347

  • Apprentices completed – 3,963

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,541

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 38

 

1996

  • Prior Learning Assessments are introduced to provide individuals with the opportunity to have previous experience assessed for advanced credit in the apprenticeship program of a designated trade

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Agricultural Mechanic (Agricultural Equipment Technician)
    - Appliance Serviceman (Appliance Service Technician)
    - Cement Finisher (Concrete Finisher)
    - Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane
    - Insulator
    - Ironworker
    - Lather – Interior Systems Mechanic
    - Partsman (Parts Technician)
    - Structural Steel and Plate Fitter

  • Occupations designated:
    - Warehousing
  • Apprentices registered – 24,836

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 13,078

  • Apprentices completed – 3,947

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,246

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 21

 

1997

  • Tuition fees are implemented for apprentices attending technical training

  • Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Program is introduced to enable journeymen to receive recognition for supervisory/managerial skills gained through experience or training

  • www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca website goes online

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Auto Body Technician – Refinishing

  • Trades designated:
    - Auto Body Technician – Collision
    - Auto Body Technician – Refinishing

  • Trades de-designated:
    - Projectionist

  • Occupations designated:
    - Construction Craft Labourer
  • Apprentices registered – 27,179

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 13,427

  • Apprentices completed – 4,441

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,759

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 439

 

1998

  • Individual Learning Module (ILM) project is introduced

  • Thygesen Scholarship is established to recognize excellence in apprenticeship training as demonstrated by a registered apprentice

  • Rutherford Scholarships are opened to registered apprentices (1998-99 school year)

  • Employer Award of Excellence is introduced

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Electrical Motor Systems Technician
  • Apprentices registered – 30,555

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 14,675

  • Apprentices completed – 4,321

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,590

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 273

 

1999

  • Apprentices registered – 31,390

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 15,238

  • Apprentices completed – 4,370

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,879

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 1,117

 

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Milestones – the 2000s

2000

  • Trades approved for Red Seal status:
    - Recreational Vehicle Service Technician

  • Trades designated:
    - Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator – Wellhead Boom Truck
    - Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator – Medium Boom Truck
    - Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator – Hydraulic Mobile Crane
    - Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator – Conventional Mobile Crane
    - Heavy Equipment Technician – Heavy Duty Mechanic (Off Road)
    - Heavy Equipment Technician – Truck and Transport Mechanic
    - Heavy Equipment Technician – Truck-Trailer Mechanic
    - Glazier – Auto Glass Technician
  • Apprentices registered – 32,733

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 15,883

  • Apprentices completed – 4,567

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,098

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 417

 

2001

  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Scholarships are awarded for the first time
    - Industry raises nearly $290,000 and Alberta Advanced Education matches it for a total endowment of nearly $600,000
    - 50 scholarships of $1,000 each to be awarded annually

  • 50 RAP scholarships awarded

  • Instructor Award of Excellence is introduced to reward excellence in training delivery and communication to apprentices

  • Chairman’s Award of Excellence is introduced

  • Trades designated:
    - Outdoor Power Equipment Technician – Marine Equipment
    - Outdoor Power Equipment Technician – Power Equipment
    - Outdoor Power Equipment Technician – Recreational Equipment
    - Outdoor Power Equipment Technician – Turf Equipment
  • Apprentices registered – 38,090

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 16,962

  • Apprentices completed – 4,361

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 4,936

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 163

 

2002

  • Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships are introduced
    -Industry raises nearly $1.5 million and Alberta Advanced Education matches it with $2 million for a total endowment of nearly $3.5 million
    - 165 scholarships of $1,000 each to be awarded annually

  • 215 $1,000 scholarships awarded
    - 50 Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) scholarships
    - 165 Apprenticeship and Industry Training scholarships

  • Trades de-designated :
    - Printing and Graphic Arts Craftsman

  • Occupations designated:
    - Steel Detailer
  • Apprentices registered – 40,437

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 17,389

  • Apprentices completed – 4,618

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,240

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 51

 

2003

  • 218 $1,000 scholarships awarded through the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Family of Scholarships
    - 50 Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) scholarships
    - 168 Apprenticeship and Industry Training scholarships

  • Program Changes:
    - Auto Body Technician (4 journeyman certificates now available)
    - Heavy Equipment Technician – Transport Trailer Mechanic (apprenticeship program increased from 1 period to 2 periods)
    - Steamfitter-Pipefitter (gasfitter component replaced with welder component)

  • Occupation Certification for each of the 4 designated occupations now available through the Alberta Qualification Certificate program

  • Plasterer occupation de-designated
  • Apprentices registered – 39,294

  • New Apprentices registered – 11,758

  • Apprentice technical training attendance – 20,295

  • Apprentices completed – 5,100

  • Certificates issued to apprentices and trade qualifiers – 5,651

  • Certificates issued to trainees and occupation qualifiers – 73

 

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