Trades in Alberta

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Water Well Driller - Earth Loop Technician

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

Water well driller-earth loop technicians set up and operate mobile drilling rigs or trenching equipment used to construct residential and commercial loops for heating and cooling. Earth loop technicians may help homeowners and engineers in the design of earth loops.The duties of an earth loop technician include:

  • operating drilling rigs to bore holes and line them with well casings (steel or plastic pipes) for the construction of earth loops,
  • record information about the geological formations encountered, and
  • design and install a pumping system for heating and cooling purposes.

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 an earth loop technician 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 due to common training with Water Well Driller.
    • 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 - Earth Loop Technician 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 – Earth Loop Technician are:

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

Program Credit

Category Information
High School Credit

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.)
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.)
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.
Curriculum Guide Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn.
Classroom Instruction View a list of currently scheduled classes.
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.
Examinations Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam.
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.

 

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