Apprenticeship Training
Contacts
Information Line:
403-342-3100
1-888-475-1101
Alberta Advanced Education & Technology Apprenticeship and Industry Training (local regional office)at 403.340.5151.
www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca
Apprenticeship Registration Dates
May 16, 2011 - Automotive Service Tech, Carpentry, Electrical, Instrument Tech.
May 18, 2011 - Heavy Equipment Tech., Millwright, Plumbing, Steamfitter - Pipefitter
May 20, 2011 - Cook, Locksmith, Parts Tech., Rig Tech., Sprinkler Systems Installer, Water Well Driller, Welder, and Wire Process Operator
The Programs
RDC has 16 apprenticeship programs leading to journeyman status:
- Automotive Service Technician
- Carpenter
- Cook
- Electrician
- Gasfitter (A)
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Instrument Technician
- Locksmith
- Millwright
- Parts Technician
- Plumber
- Rig Technician
- Sprinkler Systems Installer
- Steamfitter/Pipefitter
- Water Well Driller
- Welder
Trade Careers - A Smart Choice
Trades careers have a lot going for the skilled men and women who work in them...lots more than most of them imagined when they first started out!
- many trades offer the right kind of challenge as they are highly technical, involve lots of math and sciences, and are changing quickly
- a trade career can lead to supervision, management, the professions and business entrepreneurship
- most tradespeople can write a 'Red Seal' exam and earn an Interprovincial Standards Red Seal on their journeyman certificate. This lets them work in most Canadian provinces and territories
- pay rates vary; generally they are good
- while some trades occasionally are affected by temporary economic slowdowns, the aging workforce means an overall increase in future demand for skilled tradespeople. Employers need people with the right skills!
Learning a Trade
An apprentice is someone learning a trade while he or she is employed.
Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training, work experience and technical training in a trade.
Apprentices spend about 80% of the time learning on-the-job from a qualified tradesperson. The rest of the time they take technical training, usually at a college or technical institution. Depending on the trade and the region in Alberta, there may be other methods of delivery of technical training.
An apprenticeship program lasts 1 to 4 years, depending on the trade. From day one, apprentices earn money for their time on the job. First-year apprentices earn about half of a journeyman's wage. The pay increases as the training progresses.
When apprentices successfully complete their apprenticeship program, they graduate to certified journeymen. The Alberta Journeyman Certificate proves to themselves and to any future employer that they meet Alberta's high industry standards.
There are 50 apprenticeable trades in Alberta.
Who can enter an apprenticeship program?
Age doesn't matter. You can enter apprenticeship during high school or any time after. Most first-time apprentices are in their late teens or early 20s.
To be an apprentice you need to:
- complete grade 12 (some trades don't require Grade 12, but many employers prefer to hire high school graduates), or
- write and pass an entrance exam, or
- take part in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) while you're still in high school, earning an income and credit toward your apprenticeship and your high school diploma.
In many cases, students who have taken certain Career and Technology Studies (CTS) program modules may receive credits toward an apprenticeship. The same applies for those who have taken certain kinds of post-secondary training. These credits can shorten the time it takes to complete an apprenticeship and become a certified journeyman.
A person who has previous training or work experience in a trade and wants to find out if they qualify for entry or advanced standing in an apprenticeship program may apply for a Prior Learning Assessment.
Alberta Learning is taking steps to increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the trades through its Enhancing Aboriginal Participation in the Trades Communication Initiative.
Financial assistance is available to apprentices in a variety of forms:
- Several scholarships are available for apprentices. Sources include Red Deer College, the Federal Government, and the Provincial Government.
- Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending technical training.
- Based on need, financial assistance may be available to apprentices while attending training through Alberta Works - Apprenticeship Grant.
More information and applications are available at the Student Funding & Awards Office - Room 1101, call 403.342.3254 or financialaid@rdc.ab.ca.
How do apprentices register for technical training?
Each year, employers and apprentices receive a mailing from Apprenticeship and Industry Training that includes information about where and when training is available, and instructions on how to apply at each institute or college.
The apprentice, after consulting with their employer, applies directly to the institute or college before the training starts.
- Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is recommended because training space may be limited.
- The apprentice will need to pay the full tuition fee at the time of registration.
The institute or college will verify the apprentices eligibility and provide written confirmation of registration to both the apprentice and the employer.
More information about Alberta's Apprenticeship Program: www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca