FAQ
Below is a short list of commonly-asked questions about Locksmith Apprenticeship Distance Delivery courses. We hope this answers most of the questions you may have about our courses, but please feel free to contact us (See "Contact Us" page) for more information.
Q: I'm a registered Locksmith Apprentice in a Canadian Province. How do I register for a period of training via distance delivery?
A: You should register for your period of training by sending in the usual class enrolment form to the "Apprenticeship Enrollment" address on the "Contact Us" page. Enter the class code as found on the Class Schedule page. A current class enrolment form (in pdf format) can be obtained from Alberta Apprenticeship's Trade Secrets web site (Go to "Forms & Publications" then "Forms", then "Enrollment Instructions and Enrollment Form for Technical Training").
Alternatively, if paying by credit card, you can simply call Trades Registration at 1.888.475.1101. More information on the Class Schedule page.
Q: How are the courses structured?
A: Each course is presented to you in a series of learning modules. These modules are of two types:
- Theory Modules
- Lab Modules
Most theory modules are followed by an accompanying lab module. Each theory module is divided into a number of learning objectives. At the end of each objective is a series of questions about the material learned so far, which is called a "Self-test". You should use this self-test to asses your understanding of the objective. The answers for all of the self-tests in the module, are located at the end of the module.
Once you have completed a theory module, you can complete an exam on that module. Exams are drawn from a special computer system which you log into over the internet. They are mostly multiple-choice questions. If you achieve 80% on the exam, the system will then allow you to proceed to the next module. If not, you can review the module at your leisure and draw a 2nd exam from the system when you feel you are ready. The system is designed to deliver multiple exams on a module without repeating exams. If you do not achieve 80% on your second attempt, you would normally consult with the instructor before taking a third exam.
Lab modules are also divided into learning objectives, and directly relate to the proceeding theory module. For each objective within a lab module, you are provided with:
- A list of tools, equipment and materials required for that objective
- Step-by-step instructions
- A "Performance Evaluation", which is a checklist of important points to observe while doing the exercise
If you'd like to see a sample lab module, click here.
We always encourage students to complete the lab exercise before taking the exam on the accompanying theory module. Performing the exercises can only increase your understanding of the topic.
The instructor will always be available to you to answer questions and clarify points as required. This is often done by e-mail or telephone, and often using multimedia such as photos, animations, drawings, and even video clips. Other options include text message, Skype, Windows Live Messenger, and even our own online virtual classroom with voice & video - whatever suits you.
Q: What do books cost?
A: All books (Learning modules) are included in the course fee - in digital format. Once you are registered, modules are made available to you and you can print them on your own equipment as you need or just read them on-screen.
Q: How are the learning modules delivered to me?
A: An internet course delivery tool called "TLM" (The Learning Manager) is used. You simply log into a certain web site using your web browser (such as Netscape or Internet Explorer).
Modules are viewed and/or downloaded in PDF format. This file format works well for viewing on-screen, while preserving the graphic quality when printed.
Each theory module is accompanied by a post test, which TLM also delivers. Once the post test has been successfully completed, the next module becomes available.
Q: How much time will I have to complete my course?
A: (Apprenticeship Online): Alberta Apprenticeship requires that you start and finish each period of training within one school year. This means from July 1 to June 30. It is normally possible, however, to register for a period of training approximately 1 month early (Registration normally starts near the end of May). Students who do not complete their period of training by June 30 are automatically withdrawn by Alberta Apprenticeship and would have to re-register for the following school year.
Q: What is the workflow involved in Apprenticeship Online courses?
A:
- An orientation session is recommended for all new Apprenticeship Students. This session can be in person or through video-conferencing.
- The learning modules and other materials are made available to you through TLM. You can study them onscreen and/or print them as needed.
- Post tests are completed via TLM using your home computer at your convenience.
- Supervised exams (graded exams) must be completed under supervision of a proctor. There are a number of supervised exams within each period of training. There is no final exam within the course itself. Your theory grade is a weighted average of your scores on all supervised exams. Students residing in Alberta, can complete their supervised exams at their nearest Alberta Exam Center (by appointment) at no cost. Students who are not convenient to an Alberta Exam Center, can use a local commercial exam proctoring service at nominal fee. Of course, Supervised Exams can also be completed at RDC by appointment.
- Completion of Lab modules is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Lab modules can be completed at your home under your own supervision, at your shop under your employer's supervision, or on the job. You are also entitled (and strongly encouraged) to come to RDC for lab days by appointment, to complete any labs for which you cannot equip yourself and from which you feel you would benefit.
- A one-day Final Lab Exam must be completed at RDC. Your Lab mark, as reported to Alberta Apprenticeship, is based solely on your score on this exam. The Final Lab Exam is normally done after completing all theory modules and supervised exams.
- Your Final Grades are reported to Alberta Apprenticeship by RDC upon the completion of all Supervised Exams and the Final Lab Exam.
- Once your Final Grades have been reported, you will be eligible to write the respective Qualification Exam for your period of training, which is administered by Alberta Apprenticeship at an Alberta Exam Center. Simply call the Exam Center and make an appointment. Apprentices in Canadian Provinces other than Alberta, can normally write the exam at the nearest Apprenticeship office in their home province. After achieving the required 70% pass mark, have your employer complete the proper entry in your work experience record book (provided by Alberta Apprenticeship) and submit it to your Apprenticeship office.
- Once all of this is complete, you progress to the next period of training.
Q: Who is the Instructor?
A: Shaun Lovell is a Certified Journeyman Locksmith in the province of Alberta, Canada. He began his work with the Locksmith Program at RDC after 20 years as a commercial Locksmith by writing and illustrating many of the learning modules used in the Locksmith Apprenticeship Program. He has taught all of the Locksmith Apprenticeship classes at RDC since 1996 and has developed the online courses. You can find out a little more about Shaun on the Meet the Instructor page.
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