Water Well Driller

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

Wage and Salary
Job Postings
Duties and Working Conditions
Interests, Abilities, Traits, and Skills
Career Advancement

Explore Apply Now

Water well drillers set-up and operate mobile rotary, boring or cable tool drilling rigs used to drill residential, commercial and industrial water wells. In addition, they conduct environmental assessment drilling.To find potable water that is clean and safe for drinking, water well drillers must be aware of the geological formations of the area where they are working. They may assist customers in selecting a drilling site and estimating the cost.After setting up the drilling rig, water well drillers:

operate the rigs to bore a hole for the well and line the hole with well casings (steel or plastic pipes),
record information about the geological formations encountered,
put screens and pumps in place to develop the well,
design and install a pumping system, and
clean and disinfect the well in preparation for use.

Water well drillers disinfect, re-construct and re-develop older contaminated wells and water-pumping systems, in addition to:

work for construction companies drilling holes for pilings or drilling test holes,
maintain and upgrade their equipment, and
work with water purification and water pumping systems.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices,
Certified Journeypersons
Individuals deemed qualified by their employer, and
Self-Employed individuals.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for a water well driller is 2 years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1800 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction each year. Classroom instruction for period 2 in this apprenticeship program is currently suspended. Apprentices can register for 1st period. To complete period 2 of this apprenticeship program, you may challenge an exam. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Certificate).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Water Well Driller are: A minimum of 36 months AND 5,400 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Water Well Driller are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam.

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for a water well driller is 2 years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1800 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Classroom instruction for period 2 in this apprenticeship program is currently suspended.
- Apprentices can register for 1st period.
- To complete period 2 of this apprenticeship program, you may challenge an exam.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Certificate).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Water Well Driller are:

A minimum of 36 months AND 5,400 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Water Well Driller are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.
Related Trades	Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements. Water Well Driller - Earth Loop Technician

Category

Information

High School Credit

A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

Water Well Driller - Earth Loop Technician

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order

Trades in Alberta