Career and Technology Studies

Alberta high school students who successfully complete all courses in a Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Apprenticeship Pathway, may receive advanced standing in the first period of technical training for that apprenticeship program upon:

  • completing the Apprenticeship and Industry Training exam, with a minimum mark of 70% (theory exam, or theory and practical exam, depending on the trade), and
  • registering into a contract of apprenticeship (upon meeting entrance requirements and obtaining employment in the trade).

Recognized CTS Apprenticeship Pathways

  • Agricultural Equipment Technician
  • Auto Body Technician 
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Baker
  • Barber
  • Cabinetmaker
  • Carpenter
  • Communication Technician
  • Cook
  • Electrician
  • Gasfitter
  • Hairstylist
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
  • Instrumentation and Control Technician
  • Insulator (Heat and Frost)
  • Landscape Horticulturist
  • Painter & Decorator
  • Parts Technician
  • Plumber
  • Recreation Vehicle Service Technician 
  • Sprinkler Systems Installer
  • Steamfitter/Pipefitter
  • Welder

Requirements

  • The CTS Apprenticeship Pathway must be taught in an Alberta Education-approved facility.
    • The facility is the responsibility of the school authority and must be equipped to industry standards to deliver the CTS Apprenticeship Pathway. (Apprenticeship and Industry Training does not inspect or approve facilities for the delivery of K-12 programs.)
  • All courses in a CTS Apprenticeship Pathway must be instructed by a journeyperson for that trade.
    • i.e. an individual holding a trade certificate recognized in Alberta.
  • Students who write the Apprenticeship and Industry Training exam(s) within three (3) years of completing high school have the application fees for the examination first attempt waived.
    • Fees will be levied for subsequent attempts.

Application Process

Eligible applicants must submit a Prior Learning Assessment Application to Apprenticeship and Industry Training for approval prior to writing the exam.

For more information, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823.

Notes and Exceptions

Carpenter

  • Individuals holding a Teacher Skills Enhancement Certificate for Carpentry, issued by Red Deer College, are eligible to instruct the CTS Apprenticeship Pathway for the Carpenter trade.
  • There is a first period theory and a first period practical exam for the Carpenter trade.

Cook

  • Cook trade math courses (or equivalents) do not need to be instructed by a journeyperson.

Hairstylist-Barber 

  • The CTS Apprenticeship Pathway for the Hairstylist trade is recognized as having a common first period for both the Barber and Hairstylist programs, as well as Hairstylist second period technical training.
  • Anatomy and Physiology courses do not need to be instructed by a journeyperson.
  • There are common first period theory and first period practical exams for the Hairstylist and Barber trades.
  • There is a second period theory and a second period practical exam for the Hairstylist trade.

Welder

  • There is a first period theory and a first period practical exam for the Welder trade.