“I want to get into the trades. What do I need to do?”

Your first step is to find out about apprenticeship training. Apprenticeship combines paid, hands-on training with classroom learning. Apprenticeship training programs range from 1 to 4 years, and there are dozens of trades you can choose from.

As an apprentice, you’ll spend 80% of your year learning on the job. You’ll practise your trade under the guidance of a seasoned, professional mentor and earn wages while you learn.

For the remaining 20% of your year, you’ll spend 6 to 10 weeks in classrooms and labs at a college or polytechnic institute. Trained industry experts will teach you the theory of your trade and provide opportunities for hands-on application.

At the end of each classroom term, you’ll pass an exam that demonstrates how much you’ve learned. At the end of your apprenticeship program, you’ll earn a post-secondary education credential. (This will be a diploma or certificate, depending on your program.) You’ll also qualify for a journeyperson certificate that acknowledges your expertise and gives you the legal authority to work in your trade.

Follow these steps to become an apprentice and get started in the trades:

1. Choose your apprenticeship education program.

• For more information, check out the apprenticeship occupational profiles on OCCinfo.

2. Meet the application requirements. These include:

• eligibility, which relates to Canadian citizenship and living in Alberta
• entrance requirements for classroom instruction (If you don’t have an Alberta high school diploma or an existing trade certificate, you’ll need to pass an entrance exam.)
• a sponsorship agreement for on-the-job learning (Your sponsor is the person or organization that signs on to give you quality, paid, on-the-job mentorship in your trade.)

3. Apply online through MyTradesecrets.

• You’ll need an ca account to get started. You’ll need your social insurance number if you want to be automatically considered for scholarships and awards.

Check out these resources to find an apprenticeship sponsor:

• Alberta apprenticeship job postings in the Canada Job Bank or on private job boards like Indeed
• CAREERS: The Next Generation
• Industry-specific employer job banks
• Trade Pathways
• Trade Winds to Success (for Indigenous people)
• Trades-related job postings or apprenticeships on alis
• Women Building Futures

Check out these websites for scholarships, grants, and loans that can help you fund your apprenticeship studies:

• Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships
• Apprenticeship Completion Grant
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women
• Canada Apprentice Loan

For more information, visit the nearest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call the toll-free information line at 1-800-248-4823.

What would you like to know?

An alis staff member will review your question and respond via email. If it’s something that can help others look for work, explore careers, or succeed on the job, a version of your question and answer may even be added to the site.