Apprenticeship
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Apprenticeship Enrolment
Register online from your MyTradeSecrets account at nwpolytech.ca/mts.
You can find the PDF enrolment form here. Please submit completed form to apprenticeship@nwpolytech.ca.
Sponsored students are unable to register for their apprenticeship training via the MyTradeSecrets online registration system. To obtain a Apprenticeship Confirmation of Sponsorship (COS) form, please visit our website here: Student Financial Aid - Sponsor. You will need to submit the COS and enrolment form together for processing.
To pay with credit card:
Complete the "Method of Payment for Tuition Fees" section on the Enrolment Form for Apprenticeship Technical Training, email the form to apprenticeship@nwpolytech.ca.
To pay through online banking:
We recommend Apprentices pay with a credit card. Paying through online banking takes 3 to 5 business days to process. A seat will not be held during this period.
Each bank has a specific process tailored to their website. Generally you sign-in to your bank account online, go into the "pay bills menu," and find a "manage or add payee list". Search and select Grande Prairie Regional College (don’t forget the “e” in Grande). *Note: payee may be labelled differently depending on the financial institution.
When you are asked to enter your account number, use your GPRC student ID#, not your AIT number.
Apprentices can also submit a completed Apprenticeship Confirmation of Sponsorship Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, please call our toll-free number at 1-888-822-2250.
See Housing for applications or more information.
Apprentices on any Northwestern Polytechnic Grande Prairie campus will be require to purchase a valid permit. Parking passes can be purchased online here.
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 |
