Promoting the development of future tradespeople

Apprenticeships

The mark of a trades professional is all around you—from the buildings you enter and the pathways you walk on to the heat that keeps your house warm.

This industry is hugely rewarding and ever-expanding. You get to leave your mark in the communities where you live and play. As our industry grows, so does the demand for trades professionals, and so does the awareness of why being a trades professional is so rewarding. Financial independence is a significant benefit, with the average income of a trades professional ranging between $78,000 and $90,000 per year, the opportunities are endless.

About Trades Professionals

What Is A Trades Professional and Why Are They Essential?

A trades professional, or a skilled tradesperson, is an individual who has specialized training and expertise in a particular craft or trade. These professionals perform tasks that require specific skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience. Trades professionals typically undergo formal education, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training to gain proficiency in their respective fields.

Economic Contributions

Job Creation and Stability: Trades professionals provide numerous stable job opportunities, which are crucial for supporting families and local economies.

Economic Growth: The trades sector drives significant economic growth through construction projects and maintenance services.

Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

Construction: Trades professionals are key in constructing commercial buildings, and public infrastructure like roads and bridges.

Utilities and Services: Electricians and HVAC technicians ensure the installation and maintenance of essential services such as electricity and climate control.

Enhancing Quality of Life

Safety and Compliance: Trades professionals ensure buildings and infrastructure adhere to safety regulations, helping prevent accidents and creating safe living and working environments.

Innovation and Sustainability: They are pivotal in implementing new technologies and sustainable practices, contributing to energy efficiency and new building initiatives.

Addressing Skill Shortages

High Demand for Skilled Workers: There is a rising demand for skilled tradespeople due to an aging workforce and the increasing complexity of infrastructure.

Trades professionals are vital for economic stability, infrastructure development, enhancing quality of life and addressing skill shortages. Their expertise and skills are indispensable in maintaining and advancing our built environment.

Becoming an Apprentice in Alberta

What is an Apprentice?

An apprentice is someone who learns a trade by working under the supervision of a certified journeyperson while also attending technical training. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the skills and knowledge required for a specific trade.

Discover Careers in the Trades

In Alberta, there are over 50 designated trades, each with its own set of requirements and career pathways. Here are some helpful links exploring the opportunities available to you. Did you know that in 2024, there are approximately 61,000 registered apprentices in Alberta? This represents a 28% increase from the previous year.

Careers in Trades

About Apprenticeship

Interested in knowing the economic impact of your selected trade? Learn more using the following link to see the average income your career could earn you: https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/wages-and-salaries-in-alberta/

The possibilities are endless for journeyperson trades professionals. You can work across Canada, own your own business, and contract out your services.

Learn About Apprenticeship

Become an Apprentice

AIT has recently changed its policy, so you no longer need an employer to register as a first-year apprentice. This change has opened up many more possibilities for students! You can now complete the registration process and receive a first-year apprenticeship ticket, making you more attractive to employers. However, you will still be responsible for finding employment to gain your required on-the-job training.

Step 1: Eligibility and Entrance Requirements

Step 2: Apply for an Apprenticeship Education Program

educational institutes

Determining the educational institute that best meets your needs will be key!

We understand that not everyone has the option to take time off work to go back to school. Something new in the apprenticeship field, being offered by Red Deer Polytechnic, is the option of completing your course requirements in a blended format. This means you spend short spurts of time in the classroom while completing the rest online, resulting in less disruption to your current career and life.

Use this link to research all trade programs, course offerings, and locations.

Alberta Course Schedule

Becoming an Apprentice in Alberta

What is an Apprentice?

There are options for financial support for those wanting to become a trades professional, as well as scholarship options and grants.

For women interested in becoming trades professionals, please visit our Women in Construction page to learn more about our partnership with Women Building Futures.

Scholarship Options

Women Apprenticeship Grant

Funding: Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women

Indigenous Apprenticeship Grant

Indigenous Bursaries

Additional Resources

Additional resources can be found here, including information on requesting exam accommodations during your school portion, having your prior learning assessed, and review materials for challenge exams.

Exam Accommodations

Prior Learning/Challenge Exams

Newcomers Credential Recognition

Let's Connect Today

As a prominent source for apprenticeships, we offer a continuous stream of work spanning across Canada and the United States. When you begin your career with us, you're not just starting a job; you're embarking on a lifelong journey with a Lifetime of Work!

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