Apprenticeship education is a combination of on-the-job training, work experience, and classroom instruction in a trade.
Apprentices spend about 80% of their time learning on the job from a qualified tradesperson. The rest of their time is spent taking classroom instruction, usually at a college or technical institution.
While they complete their programs, apprentices may be eligible for:
- Employment Insurance (EI) or student loans and grants (based on need).
- Scholarships of up to $2,000 each. Visit the Financial Assistance page on Tradesecrets for more information.
From day 1, apprentices earn a salary for their time on the job. Apprenticeship education lasts from 1 to 4 years, depending on the trade.
RAP for high school students
High school students can earn credits toward both an apprenticeship program and a high school diploma through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
With awards valued at $1,000 and $2,000, Alberta's High School Apprenticeship Scholarship Program recognizes the accomplishments of high school students participating in the Registered Apprenticeship Program and/or Career and Technology Studies apprenticeship pathways. For more information:
- Talk to your school's counsellor.
- Check out the Apprenticeship and Industry Training brochure.
- Visit the nearest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office.
- Call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free in Alberta at 1-877-644-9992.
In these videos, consider how Spencer and Kayla are boosting their careers by pursuing dual credit through the RAP program:
Exploring Career Paths: Machining (3:01)
Spencer would like to become a machinist. Watch him explore the registered apprenticeship program (RAP) and discover the skills he'll need to successfully enter the trades.
Apprenticing as a Welder (2:26)
Kayla is apprenticing to be a welder. Watch as Kayla discusses starting her apprenticeship while still in high school and obtaining financial support to attend a technical institute.
Register for apprenticeship education in Alberta
Follow these 3 easy steps:
1. Choose a program
Check the list of apprenticeship education programs in Alberta on Tradesecrets and narrow your choices down to potential careers that interest you. Talk to people who work in these careers and ask them questions. Talk to employers, too. You may be able to job shadow someone to see what their typical day-to-day work is really like.
For more information on specific apprenticeship careers, check out the apprenticeship occupational profiles on OCCinfo.
2. Find a sponsor
A sponsor is a person or organization who agrees to set you up with paid employment and mentorship in your trade. You can register as an apprentice and attend classroom instruction without having a sponsor. However, to earn on-the-job hours toward your apprenticeship, you must have a sponsor.
Search thousands of Alberta job postings here on alis. You can narrow your search to trades-related job postings or just apprenticeships.
The Canada Job Bank lists apprenticeship job postings in Alberta, as do private job boards like Indeed and Workopolis. You should also check with your local trade union about employment opportunities.
Check the Employer Job Banks by Industry page for trades-based job opportunities. Research potential employers and find the one that's going to be right for you.
3. Apply
Complete the online application at MyTradesecrets to register your apprenticeship and begin learning your trade.
Navigating apprenticeship
The Apprenticeship Education Agreement is a legal agreement between you and your sponsor. It outlines the responsibilities for both of you during your apprenticeship program:
- You commit to completing your classroom instruction and on-the-job training requirements.
- Your employer commits to paying you a certain percentage of the journeyperson wage, increasing your pay as you progress through training.
- Your employer also agrees to train you on-the-job while allowing you time to attend classroom instruction.
Classroom instruction generally involves attending annual classroom sessions that are 4 to 12 weeks long. In some trades, classroom instruction delivery options such as distance learning, weekly apprenticeship education (you attend classes once a week), or on-the-job-site training are available. You pay tuition fees for your training and purchase course supplies.
As an apprentice, you accumulate hours on the job and advance through classroom instruction until you master your trade.
Graduating from your apprenticeship education program
When you complete your apprenticeship education, you become an Alberta-certified journeyperson. Your journeyperson certificate will authorize you to work unsupervised in your trade.
You may be able to write an Interprovincial Standards Program exam to earn a Red Seal on your journeyperson certificate. This credential is recognized in other Canadian provinces and territories where your trade is designated, without further examinations.
In addition to your journeyperson certificate, you will also earn a post-secondary credential. You will receive an advanced diploma, diploma, certificate, or certificate of achievement depending on the length and complexity of your program.
Your education credential is more than a piece of paper. It symbolizes your achievements and potential, opening doors to diverse opportunities. This makes it easy for employers—even those unfamiliar with your trade—to quickly understand your level of education. If you enroll in a different post-secondary program in the future, your new institution can use your apprenticeship credential to assess whether you are eligible for any transfer credit.