Alberta Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a proven pathway to a skilled trades career, combining paid on-the-job training with formal classroom instruction. Apprentices earn while they learn, gain recognized credentials, and build long-term career opportunities in the trades.
This page provides an overview of how apprenticeship works in Alberta. Detailed trade-specific and program information is available through provincial apprenticeship authorities.
Learn More About Apprenticeships
If you are considering an apprenticeship or are already registered, support is available to help you understand the process, requirements, and available financial supports.
Your Training Is an Investment - and We Invest in You
As a Union member of IUPAT District Council 17, your apprenticeship training is supported. Apprentices working for signatory contractors within DC17 have their tuition covered, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. That means you can focus on learning your trade, advancing your skills, and earning a living without taking on unnecessary student debt.
This is one of the many ways DC17 supports members from day one through journey status and beyond.
For details on eligibility or how to get started, contact the DC17 office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become an apprentice?
You must follow a series of steps to become an apprentice, complete your training, both in-class and practical, and then receive your certification.
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Determine what trade you want to work in
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For a full list of designated trades in Alberta, visit Trade Secrets.
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Many colleges offer pre-apprentice or pre-employment programs, which can help you gain exposure to a trade you are interested in. Depending on the program, you may also earn credits toward your first-year apprenticeship
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Find an employer
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You need to find an employer who will hire you as an apprentice in your chosen field and register your apprenticeship with Alberta Apprentice & Industry Training (AIT)
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Work the required number of hours in your field through on-the-job training
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Hours on site typically range from 1,500 to 1,600 hours per level, depending on your trade
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Register for and complete technical training at a recognized training provider
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Technical training is generally seven to eight weeks per level. Learn more about the minimum entrance requirements for technical training
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Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each year required to complete your apprenticeship
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Most apprenticeships require three to five years to complete.
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(Optional) After completing your final year of technical training, you’ll have obtained Journeyperson status and can challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam
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Trades certifications are governed provincially. To have your ticket recognized in other provinces, you can challenge the Red Seal exam. Obtaining your Red Seal is also beneficial even if you don’t intend on leaving the province, as it is an added mark of competency on top of your journeyperson ticket
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How do I apply for technical training?
You can apply for technical training by logging into your MyTradesSecrets account. In it, you can view all approved technical training institutions in your trade across Alberta, all dates available for technical training, and the cost of each session.
As an apprentice, you must attend technical training annually. To avoid contract cancellation, register for technical training as soon as possible once you have met your required practical hours for your level. If you have not attended technical training in the past year, your contract of apprenticeship may be cancelled.
What are the educational requirements?
To prepare for apprenticeship training, completing an Alberta high school diploma with the following courses is recommended:
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English 30-2
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Math 30-3
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Physics 30, Chemistry 30, or Science 30
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Related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses
Minimum entry requirements include one of the following:
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English 10-2 and Math 10-3
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Passing all five GED tests
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Passing the AIT entrance exam
Education requirements vary by trade. Always confirm requirements through
Trade Secrets.
Financial Supports & Assistance
Government of Canada Apprentice Loan
Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program can receive up to $4,000 in Canada Apprentice Loans per period of technical training. You can receive these loans for up to five periods of technical training. Your loan will be interest-free for up to six years as long as you are confirmed as being registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program. You do not have to make any loan payments while your loan is in interest-free status.
Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarships
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training offers more than 250 awards of $1,000 and $1,500 to apprentices every year. Check out TradeSecrets to find out which scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student Awards
Many technical training institutions offer additional scholarships and bursaries. Check out your school’s website to learn what is available.
Employment Insurance (EI)
Unlike other post-secondary students, an apprentice can collect employment insurance (EI) while attending technical training.
You can apply for EI online no more than seven days before your last day of work. You will need an employment insurance reference code to access the apprentice application form. You will find this code on your registration confirmation letter.
Be aware that you may not receive EI payments for up to four to six weeks after you start classes. Plan to have alternative financial arrangements in place during this time.
Need Help?
If you have questions about apprenticeship pathways, training requirements, or supports, contact DC17 for guidance and assistance.