Trades in Alberta

On this page:

  • Apprenticeship Education Program 
  • Trades Qualifier Program 
  • Employment in the Trade 

Trades in Alberta

Electrician
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Electrician

Electricians work with electrical systems that provide heat, light, power, control signals, and fire alarms in all kinds of buildings and structures. They also install and maintain equipment like switches, relays, circuit breakers, and fuse boxes to keep everything running safely and smoothly.

4-Period Apprenticeship Program
Compulsory Certification

Apprenticeship Education Program

Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.

Learning Outcomes
  • Gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the program Competence Statements.
Credential
  • Advanced Diploma
Certification
  • Journeyperson Certificate
  • Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
  • 4 periods (levels) 
  • Period 1 and 2:
    • 1560 hours work experience per period
    • 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
  • Period 3 and 4: 
    • 1500 hours work experience per period 
    • 10 weeks classroom instruction per period 
  • All periods: 
    • Theory exam required
  • Each period designed to take ~1 year
  • Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
  • 8 weeks in period 1 and 2 
  • 10 weeks in period 3 and 4 
  • Offered at Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College, NAIT, Northern Lakes College, Northwestern Polytechnic, Portage College, Red Deer Polytechnic, and SAIT
  • Entrance requirements:
    • English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
    • or GED/CAEC
    • or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
  • 1560 hours in period 1 and 2
  • 1500 hours in period 3 and 4
  • Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
  • Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
  • Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
  • Theory exam required to complete each period
  • Red Seal exam option in final period
Program Updates
  • Curriculum updated during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years. 
High School Credit
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs

Trades Qualifier Program

If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.

Work Experience Program
  1. Complete 72 months and 9180 hours of verifiable Electrician work experience.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. Submit a Trades Competency Verification (TCV). 

Applicants holding a related trade certificate may be eligible for credit toward these requirements (see Related Trade Certificates for the Apprenticeship Education Program above).

 

Recognized Credentials Program
  1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
  2. Pass a theory exam.

Employment in the Trade

As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.

Restricted Activities
  • Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
  • To perform restricted activities, you must be:
    • a registered apprentice, or
    • working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
  • Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1). 
Wages
  • Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Electrician journeyperson employed by the same company.
    • Period 1: 50%
    • Period 2: 60%
    • Period 3: 70%
    • Period 4: 80%
Recognized Credentials
  • If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta. 
Red Seal Endorsement
  • You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.