Trades Entrance Exam Preparation

View the Fact Sheet for this Program

Thinking About a Career in Trades
80% of apprenticeship training is done on-the-job and 20% through an approved technical training provider.
Students ?earn while they learn.? This means receiving an income while studying for your career
There are more than 50 designated trades and occupations in Alberta.
For more information on the trades and occupations available in Alberta, please visit: https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/trades-occupations-list/

Introduction
This program is for individuals interested in becoming a trades apprentice who do not meet the minimum Alberta or High School requirements and/or cannot provide proof of a high school transcript.

During this 8-month preparation program, learners will prepare to write the trades entrance exam taken through the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office. Learners will participate in 8 weeks of workplace training to help build the skills and knowledge necessary for their trade of choice. This practical experience introduces learners to industry employers who may be able to assist the learner in becoming a registered apprentice.

Focus will be placed on improving study and exam writing skills as well as knowledge of English/Reading Comprehension, Mathematics and Science. Job search skills and strategies along with practicing professional behaviours will help learners improve their success in the workforce.

Employment Opportunities
Ove the next several years, the government predicts that trades careers will be in high demand, meaning that the number of qualified workers is lower than the number of predicted job openings. Choosing a high demand career can help ensure future job opportunities and stability.

For more information on high demand occupations in Alberta, please visit https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupations-in-demand/

Depending on the trade, apprenticeship training can last between 1 to 4 years. Because 80% of apprenticeship training is completed on-the-job, students earn a salary while they work. This accumulation of working hours qualifies learners for Employment Insurance (EI) while attending in-class or technical training at a college or institute of technology.

Learners must take and pass exams at each level of training, followed by a final certification exam to receive their provincial qualification as a journeyperson. To receive a Red Seal endorsement, (a nationally recognized standard), learners must pass the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal examination.

Salary ranges depend on the individual trade and whether the individual is an apprentice, journeyperson or red seal.

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Entry Requirements
There are two options for admission into this preparation program:

Standard Admission

verified Canadian high school transcript of Grade 9 Math and English
OR

Mature Admission

be 19 years of age or older, and
out of high school for 1 year, and
successfully meet the entry levels on Columbia College?s reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics assessment
Additionally, applicants must:

be an Alberta resident
be unemployed or marginally employed
be committed to seeking employment
meet citizenship requirements (e.g., Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Convention Refugee) and be legally entitled to work and train in Canada
This is an excellent program for individuals who have reached satisfactory levels of LINC study and/or have completed ESL.

Program Description
8 months (32 week) program
receive Academic Upgrading in English, Mathematics, and Science
practice professional behaviours and the 9 essential skills regularly used in the workplace
learn how to target your resume and conduct a successful job search
receive individualized job search support and coaching from an Employment Specialist
apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations while attending 5 weeks of workplace learner (also know as practicum or work experience). use this experience to start the apprenticeship process. Learners will participate in a minimum of 25 hours up to a maximum of 40 hours per work for the duration of the practicum placement.
Program Delivery
In response to COVID-19 directives from Alberta Health Services, this program will be delivered through a distance learning model until further notice. As the province begins to open its doors, we will continue to determine the safest steps to bring learners back on campus and into the classroom. Online learners are asked to have:

base-line computer and typing skills
daily access to a reliable computer (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.)
reliable internet service
a comfortable chair
a workspace away from distractions
a working microphone and video camera
Please note: learners will be expected to open and save Word documents, email and send attached files, as well as access lessons and materials shared on Moodle and Microsoft Teams).

Our re-launch plans continue to move forward in a cautious manner where staff and student safety comes first.