Apprenticeship

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a method of gaining the expertise needed to become a skilled tradesperson. This is accomplished through a combination of on-the-job and classroom training that leads to a trades credential. Typically, apprentices train for four years (although this varies by trade), spending four to sixteen weeks a year in an educational institution and the rest of the time training on the job. When all training has been completed, the apprentice writes provincial examinations set by industry and the Government of Alberta. If successful, the apprentice becomes certified by the Province as a qualified tradesperson or journeyperson. Upon completion of the program, the apprentice may also write interprovincial exams to obtain Red Seal status.

The Process

To become an apprentice, students must be at least 16 years old, meet the educational requirements for the trade in which they are interested, and find employment with an employer who is willing to hire and train them as an apprentice.

Once hired, the employee discusses apprenticeship training with the employer, obtains appropriate approvals, and enters into a contract. This contract is then registered with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).  AIT will issue an identification card, a course outline booklet, and an apprenticeship record book.

Apprentices will receive notification from AIT. The Training Catalogue provides a list of technical training opportunities available for the trade.

The apprentice will attend Northwestern Polytechnic on the start date specified online. Apprentices will be notified by Northwestern Polytechnic if the class dates or location are changed. Failure to attend may lead to cancellation of the registration.

MyTradesecrets

Online registration for apprenticeship is available at NWP.me/MTS. Full tuition and other fees are due and payable at the time of registration. Payments can be made via credit card.

Fees and Expenses

In addition to tuition, apprentices also pay applicable Northwestern Polytechnic and Northwestern Polytechnic Students’ Association fees and are responsible for required textbooks and course supplies.

The Apprenticeship Program is administered by AIT. As a training provider, Northwestern Polytechnic adheres to all AIT policies.  The AIT website, tradesecrets.alberta.ca, provides complete information about apprenticeship training, including: enrollment procedures; fees and financial assistance; and attendance, performance, behaviour, and cheating policies. 

What does Northwestern Polytechnic Offer? The following apprenticeship programs are delivered by Northwestern Polytechnic:
Trade	Campus Location
Automotive Service Technician	Fairview
Carpenter	Fairview
Electrician	Grande Prairie
Gasfitter	Fairview
Heavy Equipment Technician	Fairview
Instrumentation and Control Technician	Grande Prairie
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)	Grande Prairie
Motorcycle Mechanic	Fairview
Parts Technician	Grande Prairie
Plumber	Fairview
Steamfitter/Pipefitter	Fairview
Welder	Fairview/Grande Prairie
Welder – Wire Process Operator	Fairview/Grande Prairie