Trades
Skilled Trades and Professions are an excellent way to further your education and prepare for your future. There is information for you for both Alberta and Saskatchewan based on where you believe you will be working.
A general rule of thumb is:
If you are working in Saskatchewan or training in Saskatchewan for a trade you would become a Saskatchewan Apprentice.
If you are working in Alberta or training in Alberta for a trade you would become an Alberta Apprentice.
Both provinces offer programs for students to begin training in High School and we can help you understand the benefits of both programs and which may apply to you!
WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP?
Apprenticeship is a post-secondary education program consisting of on-the-job instruction supported by your sponsor, and classroom instruction at a post-secondary institution.
An apprenticeship education program lasts 1-4 years, depending on the program. You will learn from working professionals in the field, based on curriculum developed by industry experts.
Apprenticeship consists of two components:
1. On-the-job Instruction
As an apprentice, you will accumulate hours of on-the-job instruction for approximately 80 percent of your program.
You will 'earn while you learn' from a mentor (a certified journeyperson or qualified individual).
Your on-the-job instruction is supported by a sponsor who helps you get opportunities to learn on the job, and an employer who hires you and pays you for your work (for many apprentices, the employer and the sponsor are the same. Learn more here).
You and your sponsor track your hours and the skills you have learned and practiced, and record these in your competency portfolio to submit to AIT for credit.
2. Classroom Instruction
Approximately 20 percent of your program will be completed in classrooms or labs at an approved post-secondary institution.
Most apprentices attend classroom instruction once a year for a period of 6-10 weeks.
At the end of each period, you may be required to successfully complete an examination to progress to your next period.
Learn more about classroom instruction here.
WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP?
Apprenticeship training is a structured system of supervised training leading to certification in one of Saskatchewan’s designated trades.
Apprentices spend approximately 85% of the time working on the job, learning the knowledge and skills associated with a trade from a certified journeyperson. The remaining time is spent in theoretical and technical in-school training, which reinforces and expands on what is learned on the job.
Apprentices receive a broad range of trade experience on the work site. Technical training usually takes place at an institute for a period of six to twelve weeks each year. Recent initiatives have addressed flexible, innovative, and timely training options.
Once an employer decides to train an individual as an apprentice, an apprenticeship application is submitted by the apprentice and the employer to the SATCC. Apprenticeship training ranges from two to five years depending on the trade. Once apprentices complete the final level of training, they are eligible to write the journeyperson examination.
Designated Trades???? What is a designated trade??
Helpful Chart to understand 2 ways to become an apprentice in Alberta or Saskatchewan
Women in Trades:
Women are underrepresented in trades and both Alberta and Saskatchewan have excellent support and incentive programs