Meet Eligibility and Entrance Requirements

Apprenticeship Education Programs have flexible requirements.

You can apply to register and begin one portion of your program, even if you're still working toward meeting the requirements for the other. 

Registration: Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to become an apprentice in Alberta, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen, or
  • be a permanent resident of Canada, or
  • be a Convention refugee or protected person, or
  • be a Refugee Claimant in possession of a work permit; or
  • be an individual in possession of a Post-Graduation Work Permit;

and

  • be a resident of Alberta, or
  • be primarily working in Alberta (in the scope of the apprenticeship education program).

For additional information, consult the Apprentice Eligibility Policy. 

Classroom Instruction: Entrance Requirements 

Before you enroll in your annual classroom instruction session, you must:

  • hold an existing trade certificate, OR

You can register as an apprentice and start learning on the job if you do not meet the entrance requirements yet, but you will be expected to meet them during your first year of apprenticeship.

On-the-Job Learning: Sponsorship Agreement

Before you can begin working as an apprentice, you need to have an agreement with a sponsor.

Find a business or organization willing to provide you with paid-on-the-job mentorship in your trade, and ask them to become your sponsor.

You can register as an apprentice and attend classroom instruction before you have a sponsor.

  • However, most apprentices come to classroom instruction with on-the-job experience, so without this, you may find the classes challenging.
  • Find a sponsor as soon as you can for your best chance at success.

If you already have a sponsor when you apply to become a registered apprentice:

  • Your agreement will be made through the application process. 

If you do not have a sponsor when you apply:

  • Submit a Notice of Acceptance form once you do have a sponsor to register your agreement so you can start learning on the job.   

 Resources to help you find a sponsor: