Introduction
This program is for individuals interested in becoming a trades apprentice who are unable to meet the minimum Alberta or High School program entry requirements required by the trade school of their interest. Examples include 1) the learner is unable to provide proof of a high school transcript 2) the learner’s transcript marks are below the program’s entry requirements 3) the individual received a mark below 70% on a previous attempt of the trade entrance exam (TEE) or 4) the individual is required to successfully complete an entrance exam in their chosen trade to become an apprentice.
Salary ranges depend on the individual trade and whether the individual is an apprentice, journeyperson or red seal. For more information, please visit https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/wages-and-salaries-in-alberta/
Example Job Titles Include: A complete list of designated trade profiles in Alberta can be found:
https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/designated-trades-profiles/
Program Highlights
- Cost: Grant funded program (for those who qualify)
- Delivery: Online
- Duration: 32 Weeks
- Instruction Hours: Monday-Friday (26 hours/week)
- Semester Intake: January, May, and September
- Work Experience: 8 weeks
Program Information
This 8-month program prepares learners to write the trades entrance exam (TEE) administered by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office. Focus will be placed on improving study and exam writing skills as well as developing areas of English/reading comprehension, mathematics, and science found on the TEE exam. Embedded within the curriculum are job search strategies, professional behaviours (also referred to as Skills for Success) which will help learners improve their success in the workforce.
Classes are interactive and involve learners in group discussions, research, role plays, and practice exams. Active participation in class is expected.
This course has been developed using an interactive, online delivery model. It includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.
It is strongly recommended that online learners have:
- Daily access to a reliable computer (Windows Pc) for the full duration of the class.
- Reliable internet service with high-speed internet. A cable connection is recommended
- A comfortable chair
- A workspace away from distractions
- A working microphone and video camera
- Earphones or earbuds (optional)
- Childcare in place
This program is 32 weeks in length.
- Language entry requirement – CLB 7
- Academic entry requirement – English and mathematics Grade 9
Before entering the program, all participants must be able to:
- meet the required language entry requirement (where applicable)
- achieve satisfactory results on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and math
- successfully complete a Columbia College computer skills assessment (or equivalent) that will address basic computer skills (which includes basic internet and email knowledge), and introductory Microsoft Word
- successfully complete an entry interview with the Career and Employment Coordinator for suitability
Additionally, applicants must:
- be an Alberta resident and currently residing full-time in the province (or address in city of Lloydminster)
- 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
- Math for Skilled Trades (Alberta Education)
- English for Skilled Trades
- Career Development and Science for Skilled Trades
- Trades Entrance Exam Preparation
- Workplace Communication for Skilled Trades
- Preparing for Employment
- 8 weeks of work experience (practicum)
In the final 8 weeks of the training program, learners will participate in 8 weeks of work experience (practicum) where they will begin to build the hands-on 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. Work hours will be a minimum of 25-40 hours per week (depending on the employer’s needs) for the duration of the practicum placement.
Additionally, learners may be awarded 1 five credit course (MAT1793) on an Alberta Education post-secondary education transcript. High school transcripts are not connected to Columbia College but can be requested through the Government of Alberta with a myPass account.
Additional Information
This program is funded by Government of Alberta, Foundational Learning Assistance. Students may be eligible to receive financial and childcare assistance to attend full-time studies. Please contact Columbia College at 403-235-9300 for further details.
The Trades Entrance Exam program follows a mastery learning model. These sessions will be delivered on an as needed basis. Students whose weekly test results fall below the Mastery Learning level must attend tutorial classes Friday afternoon. Concentration will be focused on areas that the student does not understand. These tutorials sessions provide learners who are having trouble with additional staff support. Focus will be placed on assisting the learner in mastering the competencies and skills required to pass the trade entrance exam (TEE).
Please note that individuals who pass a trade entrance exam with a mark of 70% or higher are eligible to attend a technical training program.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a Certificate of Program Completion titled Trades, Transportation and Warehouse. All graduates will be invited to attend Columbia College’s Convocation ceremony.
Over 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/
- 80% of apprenticeship training is done on-the-job and 20% through an approved technical training provider.
- Students “earn while they learn.” This means receive 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/
Course Features
- Lectures 0
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 50 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 1
- Assessments Yes
