Introduction
This program is for individuals interested in becoming a trades apprentice who are unable to meet the minimum Alberta or High School requirements required by the trade school. Examples include 1) unable to provide proof of a high school transcript 2) transcript marks below the program’s entry requirements or 3) a mark below 70% on a previous attempt of the trade entrance exam (TEE).
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
- 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 knowledge in English, mathematics, and science. Embedded within the curriculum are job search strategies, skills for success (previously referred to as essential skills employers look for) and professional behaviours which will help learners improve their success in the workforce.
Classes will be 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 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 the best however staying closer to the Wi-Fi also works
- A comfortable chair
- A workspace away from distractions
- A working microphone and video camera
- Earphones or earbuds (optional)
- learners born outside of Canada – CLB 7, Math Grade 9
- learners who have attended school in Canada – English Grade 9 and Math Grade 9
Before entering the program, all participants must be able to:
- achieve satisfactory results on the Columbia College Accuplacer assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and math
- 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
- 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
- English and Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Science
- Test taking strategies
- 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) 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. 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.
Additional Information
This program is funded by Alberta Human Services. Students may be eligible to receive financial assistance to attend full-time studies. Please contact the college at 403-235-9300 for further details.
This preparation 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 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 become successful on the trade entrance exam (TEE) and on-the-job.
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 1
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 50 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 1
- Assessments Yes
