Electrician Apprenticeship in Alberta | How To Become An Electrician

Have you searched for information on an electrician apprenticeship in Alberta only to find scanty information that does not quench your thirst? After hours of research, you still do not know how to enroll in an apprenticeship program. Here at Electrician Information Resource we've decided to prepare this article to answer all the questions you may have concerning how to become an electrician In Alberta.

By the time you finish reading this article, you should have a very good understanding of the different industries available in Alberta, requirements for joining these industries, the various electrician jobs available and examinations. However, this is just a tip of the ice burg.  

To get a comprehensive guide on the entire journey of becoming an electrician, check out our bestselling e-book "Becoming a Successful Electrician.”

To make it easy for you to read through this article, we have prepared a Quick Menu below. 

Quick Menu

1. Becoming an Electrician in Alberta

2. Qualities of a Good Electrical Apprentice

3. Apprentice Electrician Jobs in Alberta

4. Alberta Electrician Exam

5. Electrician Certification in Alberta

6. Financial Assistance for an Electrical Apprentice

Becoming an Electrician in Alberta

As an electrician in Alberta, you will specialize in electrical wiring. You will also be responsible for the repair and maintenance of electrical systems. Though there are several kinds of electricians, there are general duties and skills that apply to all: 

General Electrician Duties

• To read and interpret electrical blueprints 
  
• Install and repair electrical cables 
  
• Inspect electrical equipment and advice on hazards 
  
• Supervise apprentice electricians 
  
• Ensure provincial regulations and Canadian Electrical Codes are adhered to 
  
• Use electrical equipment to identify electrical faults 
  
• Maintain and install fiber optic systems 
  
• To ensure the integrity and safety of circuits 
  

To become a successful electrician, you are required to have the following skills:

• Ability to work with others
  
• Able to work in all weather conditions
• Computer skills 
  
• Ability to work for long periods of time
  
• Have good mathematics and analytical skills 
  
• Have good communication skills 
  
• Be a problem solver 
  
• Be willing to learn and keep up with electrical technology  

Electrical Apprenticeship in Alberta

An apprenticeship is an on the job training provided by an employer to prepare the apprentice for full employment. Though the employer facilitates your training, you will be supervised by a certified journeyman. To graduate from an apprentice program, you are required to complete your technical training and pass an industry-related exam.

Depending on your field of specialty, expect your apprenticeship program to last anywhere between 4-6 years. Once you finish your electrical apprenticeship in Alberta, you will be awarded an Alberta journeyman certificate. 

Qualifications for an Electrician Apprenticeship in Alberta

To qualify for an electrical apprenticeship program in Alberta, you are required at a minimum to meet the following conditions: 

• You must be a legal citizen of Canada 
  
• Your apprenticeship contract must be registered with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
  
• You must find a willing employer to take you in as an apprentice
• High school diploma

Once you find a willing electrician who will take you in, ensure you complete an apprenticeship application and contract and pay a non-refundable fee of $35. If you are not a legal citizen of Canada but would like to take your apprenticeship program here, ensure you have a work permit. 

Alberta Electrical Apprenticeship 

Before you become a certified electrician, you must first enroll for an electrician apprenticeship in Alberta. Your apprenticeship should last for 4 years and will consist of an on the job training of 1500 hours. In your fourth year, you should have a minimum of 1350 hours of on the job training. 

You can reduce the term of your apprenticeship if you have related work experience or have completed an electrical course. You can know more about this by contacting the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office. If you are just out of high school and would like to enroll in an electrician apprenticeship, then register for the RAP.  

To graduate into a journeyman, the following requirements must be met: 

• Gain the required minimum work experience 
  
• Gain the required minimum hours of on the job training
• Apply and pass an entrance exam 
  
• Find a willing employer who wants to take you in 
  
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $35 
  
• Complete all program requirements as stated in the course outline 
  
• Enroll for technical training 
  
• Apply and sit for all required exams

At times, you may not be able to prove that you have met the minimum education requirements. In such a scenario, you can opt to sit for a trade entrance exam. The exams are facilitated by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office. You can get more information on how to become an electrician by reading our bestselling book "Becoming a Successful Electrician." 

Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program 

If you hold a valid electrician certification in Alberta, you can decide to apply for an Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. This is a nationally recognized standard designed to tell potential employers that you have the skill required to excel as an electrician. You will need to have an Alberta certificate to apply for this program. Keep in mind that you are only required to provide an Alberta Student Number {ASN} without paying any fees. 

Typically you will challenge your Red Seal examine right after you’ve completed your journeyman exam. 

Qualities of a Good Electrical Apprentice 

A good apprentice must have good technical skills. This means you must be good at math and algebra. You must also be the kind of person who likes to take things apart and fix them. Though you will undergo extensive training before you become an electrician, you must be confident working on technical systems as you will spend most of your time doing technical tasks. 

Communication Skills

As an electrician, you will spend most of your time collaborating with other electricians to solve a particular problem. If your communication skills are poor, then you will find it almost impossible to find a solution to a given problem. 

Your communication skills will also come in handy when you are supervising apprentices. Poor communication skills will make this an impossible task. 

Business Skills 

This may not be an obvious skill, but trust us when you tell you it may either break you or make you. Once you finish your electrician apprenticeship in Alberta and move up the ranks, you will be able to open your own business.  

As a business owner, you will be required to know how to keep your books in order, how to manage employees and also pay taxes. You will also have to learn other skills such as marketing your business and pitching for contracts.

One important business skill that you must never lack is the ability to negotiate and bargain with potential clients effectively. You must not sound rude or you will be considered arrogant, and nobody will want to contract you. You must also not give in too much or you will never make a profit. 

Problem Solving Skills 

As an electrician, you will be called upon to fix electrical problems that you have never encountered before. It is your responsibility to use your problem-solving skills to find the problem at hand. In such a scenario, you will be expected to come up with an out of the box solution. It is skills like these that make your name famous and increase your wages 

Qualities of a Good Employee 

During your electrician training in Alberta, you will have to find an employer who is willing to take you in for mentorship. To increases your chances of being formally hired after your training period ends, you must have the following qualities: 

Be Productive 

An employer will always notice a productive employee. How many times do you procrastinate? How many times do you take a coffee break? Or how many times are you reminded that a task is due? These are just some of the factors that will be evaluated by your employer to know whether you are a good fit for employment. 

Passion 

Do you enjoy what you do or are you an electrician because of the fat paycheque? If you are passionate about being an electrician, you will be more productive and your employer will notice you. This will increase your chances of being employed in the future. 

Self-Management

How well do you manage your time? Are you the kind of person who must work under the supervision of a superior to be productive? A good employee knows how to manage themselves. 

Goal-Oriented 

The perfect electrician employee is one who sees the bigger picture and not just taking a paycheque. If you are an electrician apprentice, then you must have an end goal of becoming an independent contractor. You must know what you want and go for it. 

Apprentice Electrician Jobs in Alberta 

You might be wondering which electrical apprenticeship jobs are best for you. To do this, we are going to give a few examples of apprentice jobs, their training and duties. This way, you will be able to gauge which job is best for you. 

Agricultural Equipment Technician Job Duties 

The main duties of an agricultural equipment technician are to maintain agricultural and harvesting equipment. You can decide to specialize in power shift transmissions, engine overhaul or hydraulic systems. In general, an agricultural technician will have the following duties: 

• Use and install systems such as an automated steering system 
  
• Service electronic systems of agricultural equipment such as tractors 
  
• Repair defective units 
  
• Testing equipment and advising machinery owners  
  
• Assemble new agricultural equipment 

Apprenticeship Training

Agricultural apprenticeships will require four years to complete. This will include 8 weeks of technical training per year and 1500 hours of on the job training. Keep in mind that you can get a credit if you have work experience that is related to an agricultural technician. If you are planning on becoming an electrician in Alberta specializing in agricultural equipment, then you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Pass the required Alberta electrician exam 
  
• Find a placement with an employer 
  
• Fill and submit an Apprenticeship Application and Contract 
  
• Pay an application fee 
  
• Fulfill all Course Outline Requirements as an agricultural technician 
  

Wages

Expect to earn 60% of a Journeyman's wage in the first year of employment. This will increase to 90% in the fourth year. 

Appliance Service Technician

As an appliance service technician, you will be responsible for the repair and installation of both commercial and residential appliances. If you are looking to work in a large spectrum of work environments, then this option will be best for you. In general, you will have the following duties:

• Clean the internal parts of appliances 
  
• Use specialized tools and equipment to find faults 
  
• Replacing faulty appliance parts 
  
• Prepare work orders and billing 

Work Hours

You will be expected to work for 40 hours a week.

Apprenticeship Training

As a service technician, your electrician apprenticeship Alberta training will last for three years. Every year you will be expected to undergo technical training for eight weeks and accumulate work experience of 1600 hours. To enroll for an apprenticeship as a service electrician, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• Pass an entrance exam 
  
• Find an employer who is interested in an apprentice 
  
• Fill and submit an Apprenticeship Application and Contract 
  
• Complete your on the job training 
  
• Fulfill all Course Outline requirements 

Wages

As an apprentice, expect to earn 55% of what you would earn as a journeyman. This should increase to 85% within the third year. 

Automotive Service Technician

As an automotive technician, you will mainly be responsible for the repair, maintenance, and diagnosis of faulty automotive vehicles. In general, you will have the following duties: 

• Repair and test engine efficiency 
  
• To repairer or replace electrical components  
  
• Dismantle and replace worn out parts 
  
• Provide maintenance service such as changing the oil  

Work Hours 

Expect to work for 40 hours a week.

Apprenticeship Training

As an automotive technician, your apprenticeship training will last for four years. Each year, you must undergo eight weeks of technical training and have an on the job training experience of 1560 hours. To start your automotive service technician journey, you are required to do the following: 

• Pass an entrance exam 
  
• Find an employer who will mentor you 
  
• Fill and submit an Apprenticeship Application and Contract 
  
• Pay a non-refundable application fee 
  
• Fulfill all Course Outline Requirements 
  
• Register and enroll for technical training 
  

Communication Technician 

A communication technician is an individual who installs and maintains wireless communication networks. Communication technicians are also involved in the repair of radio frequency. 

Skills and Abilities 

To be a successful communication technician, you are required to have the following skills:

• Analytical skills 
  
• Good oral skills 
  
• Good communication skills 
  
• Have a technical aptitude 

Apprenticeship Training

To become a communication technician, you are required to train for four years. Every year, you must have an on the job training experience of 1500 hours and six weeks of technical training.  Keep in mind that one year has four periods. In the last period, you should have eight weeks of technical training. To start your training, follow the following steps: 

• Sit and pass an entrance exam 
  
• Find an employer who is willing to mentor you 
  
• Fill and submit an Apprentice Application and Contract form 
  
• Fulfill all Course Outline Requirements 
  
• Enroll for technical training 

Wages 

You will earn 40% of a journeyman's wages and this will be scaled up to 75% by the time you are in your fourth year. 

Electrician Motor Systems Technician

As an electrical motor technician, your work will be to repair, test or rebuild electric generators and motors. You will also be able to repair controllers and mechanical equipment used in industrial and commercial establishments. Other duties include: 

• To diagnose, service and dismantle electric welders 
  
• To advise on proper maintenance procedures 
  
• To balance rotors 

Working Hours 

Expect to work for 40 hours a week.

Apprenticeship Training 

Your apprentice training will last for four years. Every year you must accumulate1560 hours of on the job training and eight weeks of technical training. If you have work experience in this field, then you can apply for a credit that can reduce the time required. To start your electrician apprenticeship in Albert as a motor systems technician, follow the following steps:

• Meet all trade entrance exam requirements 
  
• Find a certified employer who will train an apprentice 
  
• Fill and submit an Apprenticeship Application and Contract form 
  
• Fulfill all course outline requirements 

Wages 

You will be paid 55% of a journeyman's wage which will be scaled to 85% in your fourth year.

Heavy Equipment Technician

A heavy-duty technician is in charge of maintaining and repairing industrial equipment and heavy vehicles. Some of this equipment are: 

• Crawler tractors 
  
• Earthmoving equipment 
  
• Rubber tired equipment  
  
• Trailers 
  

In general, heavy duty electricians have the following responsibilities: 

• To maintain heavy duty equipment  
  
• To prepare and submit service reports 
  
• Diagnose malfunctions 
  
• To keep equipment lubricated and maintained 
  

If you to want to become a good heavy equipment technician, then you require to have the following skills; 

• A valid driver's license to allow you to move around 
  
• Ability to work with others 
  
• Must have good vision 
  
• Have interests in a wide range of machinery 

Apprenticeship Training for Heavy Duty Operators

Your heavy-duty operators' apprenticeship training will last for four years. Every year you must have on the job training of 1500 hours. You must also undergo technical training for eight weeks. To start your electrician apprenticeship, you must fulfill the following:

• Pass an entrance exam 
  
• Find a willing employer who will take you in 
  
• Complete and submit an online Apprenticeship Application and Contract 
  
• Pay a non-refundable application fee   
  
• Complete all course outline programs 

Wages 

You will earn 60% of a journeyman's salary, and this will increase to 90% in your fourth year. 

Alberta Electrician Exam

To be eligible to attend a technical training course, you are required to sit for an entrance exam that has a 70% pass mark. The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training facilitate the exams which have a three-hour time frame. 

When sitting for an entrance exam, you are required to bring the following: 

• A driver's license or an apprenticeship ID card 
  
• Clearwater bottle  
  
• Pencils and Pens 

Electrician Certification in Alberta 

If you have completed your electrician apprenticeship in Alberta, it is time to get an Alberta trade certificate. There are two ways to get this certificate: 

• Based on experience 
  
• Based on recognized credentials 

Based on Work Experience

If you are an experienced electrician but lack a trade credential, then this approach will work best for you. You may also have a trade credential but not from Alberta. To prove that your skills are up to standard, they will have to be assessed against the certification standards of Alberta. To earn this certificate, you are required to: 

• Pass a theory exam 
  
• Have the required work experience 
  
• Sit and pass a competency assessment test 

Based on Recognized Credentials

If you have a recognized trade certificate, but without a Red Seal, then you can apply for an Alberta trade certificate. To do this, you are required to follow the following steps:

• Acknowledge you have a recognized trade certificate  
• Fill and submit an online Qualification Certificate-Recognized Credential Application  

Financial Assistance for an Electrical Apprentice

Financial assistance is available to registered Alberta apprentices. There are two main funding sources for apprentices in Alberta. These are: 

• From the Government of Canada 
  
• From the Alberta Government 

Government of Canada

The government of Canada has two main services that can be of benefit to you, such as: 

• Apprenticeship Grants 
  
• Canada Apprentice Loans 
  

If you are a woman apprentice, you are in luck. The government has an incentive grant for women only up to a tune of $3,000 a year. The maximum amount you can get as a woman is $6,000. To be eligible for this grant, you require to fulfill the following requirements: 

• You must be a Canadian citizen 
  
• You must be a woman 
  
• Must have finished high school 
  
• Be registered for an apprenticeship program  
  
• Prove that you have completed at least 12 months of apprenticeship 

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

This is a taxable grant of $1,000. The maximum you can get from this grant is $2,000. To be eligible for the grant, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• Be a Canadian citizen 
  
• Have the required supporting apprenticeship incentive grant documents 
  
• Graduated from high school 
  

Apprenticeship Completion Grant

This is a one-time grant of $2,000 per person. The grant is accessible to registered apprentices who have a journeyman certification. To be eligible: 

• Prove you have completed an apprenticeship program 
  
• You should not be in high school 
  
• Be in a designated Red Seal Trade 
  
• Prove you are a journey person 

From the Alberta Government 

The province of Alberta offers financial assistance to apprentices through grants or loans. If you decide to apply for a loan, keep in mind that you will have a grace period of 6 months. If you apply for a grant, and you withdraw from your program within 30 days of receiving it, the grant will be converted into a loan.

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