Career and Technology Studies

In High school:

1. Complete a Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Apprenticeship Pathway.
2. Complete all Entrance Requirements for your trade.  

After High School:

1. Submit a Prior Learning Assessment  CTS application for your trade.
   • There is no fee for this application if it is your first attempt and you completed high school within the last three years. 
2. Wait for notification your application has been approved.
3. Book your exam online, once you receive notification to do so. 
   • First, you'll need to set up your MyTradesecrets account using your assigned AIT ID number. 
4. Study for your exam by downloading the Exam Counselling Sheet.
5. Write your exam at the time and location you booked.
   • Receive a mark of 70% or higher to earn credit for first-period* apprenticeship classroom instruction. 
     *The Hairstylist pathway qualifies you to write first-period and second-period exams (all other pathways are first-period only).

After your PLA Exam:

1. Apply online to become a registered apprentice in your trade. 
2. Find a sponsor to provide you with paid-on-the-job mentorship in your trade.
3. Complete your apprenticeship program and earn your Journeyperson Certificate and apprenticeship education credential. 

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

Talk to a counsellor or visit your school's website to find out which pathways offered at your school. Visit Alberta Education's website for details of courses within each pathway.

• Agricultural Equipment Technician
• Auto Body Technician 
• Automotive Service Technician
• Baker
• Cabinetmaker
• *Carpenter
• Communication Technician
• Cook
• Electrician
• **Hairstylist 
• Heavy Equipment Technician
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
• Instrumentation and Control Technician
• Insulator (Heat and Frost)
• Landscape Horticulturist
• Machinist
• Painter & Decorator
• Parts Technician
• Plumber
• Recreation Vehicle Service Technician 
• Welder

*Students who complete the Carpenter or Hairstylist CTS pathway must pass practical and theory exams to receive advanced standing in the apprenticeship education program. All other CTS pathways require only a theory exam. 

**Students who complete the Hairstylist CTS pathway are eligible to write the PLA theory and practical exams for credit toward:

• period one classroom instruction in the Barber apprenticeship program, or 
• periods one and two classroom instruction in the Hairstylist apprenticeship program

CTS Apprenticeship Pathways 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.

CTS Apprenticeship Pathway courses must be instructed by a journeyperson for that trade.

• This includes Alberta-certified individuals as well as those holding a trade certificate recognized in Alberta.
• 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.
  • Hairstylist-Barber: Anatomy and Physiology courses do not need to be instructed by a journeyperson.