Alberta Apprenticeship
ou can become registered by signing up for an Alberta apprenticeship. To work as an electrician apprentice in Alberta, you must hold a certificate of qualification and have an electrician license or be a registered apprentice.
That's because this is listed as a Compulsory Occupation with the government due to public and occupational safety concerns.
In order to qualify you need to begin your training in high school at the age of 16 or apply after you have received your high school diploma.
Eligibility Requirements:
- a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- employed by an employer eligible to participate in the apprenticeship program
If you didn't graduate from high school, you may still be able to enter through a special program such as the Mature Student program. You may also be able to receive credit for prior learning and job experience.
You can get some of the required classes out of the way before you formally enter an apprenticeship by enrolling in a high school program or a pre-apprentice program at an accredited trade school.
| Category B | Recommended Requirements | Minimum Requirements Successful Completion Of: |
|---|---|---|
| * | ||
| * | * | physics 30 or chemistry 30 or science 30 | * | * |
Many of the job skills you must learn require making calculations and working with tools as well as working with other people, so a strong background in science, math, and English is encouraged. It is recommended you have a level 6 or level 7 Canadian Language Benchmark as well.
In addition to being a quick learner and doing well in school, some other attributes will help you succeed in an Alberta apprenticeship program. You must be able to multi-task and maintain proficiency.
You should be a good problem solver and have a knack for understanding diagrams and blueprints. You should also be familiar with a wide variety of power tools and hand tools. Physical stamina is also important since you will be standing for long periods of time, climbing and carrying heavy equipment.
You may also be working in tight spaces or at great heights so you can't have any phobias that will interfere with your ability to work as an electrician apprentice.
You'll learn many skills during your apprenticeship such as how to interpret blueprints, understand codes, install wiring, test electrical equipment, work with transformers, repair motors, troubleshoot electrical systems, calibrate instruments, and perform preventative maintenance on systems and machines.
How To Enter An Apprenticeship program
You need an employer to hire you first as an electrician apprentice. You go about this like you would when seeking any other kind of job.
However, many employers do not list job openings for an electrician apprentice on job boards, so be sure to stay in close touch with Technical Training Center and professional associations for the latest employment opportunities.
After you have been hired, you will complete official paperwork that must be signed by you and your new employer. This registers you with the government as an apprentice. You can then begin your training as an electrician apprentice.
With an Alberta apprenticeship, you can expect to spend about 80 percent of your time learning through on the job training and 20 percent learning through classroom study. When undergoing on the job training, you will be paired up one-on-one with a licensed journeyman.
While you are learning your trade, you will earn minimum wage for an electrician apprentice. You may also be eligible for employee benefits such as group insurance. This is one of the big advantages of an Alberta apprenticeship over going to college or technical school for four years. With an apprenticeship, you can earn while you learn the skills of your trade.
An Alberta apprenticeship takes four years to complete and when you are through with your training, you will take a final test. If you score at least 70 percent correct on the final exam, you'll be awarded an interprovincial certificate that allows you to legally work as an electrician journeyman throughout all of Canada.
An Alberta apprenticeship will teach you all the skills you need as an electrician apprentice to advance in your chosen trade and will certify you for employment in a high demand occupation where the job outlook is bright for years to come.
You'll be able to enjoy job security and work in diverse industries so you can avoid job burnout. Being an electrician will also provide you with job satisfaction since this is a job that is critical to the smooth operation of many industries and private homes.
Important Links!
N.J.A.T.C. - This is where you will find the electrician union training center in your area.
