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Next information session
There are no events scheduled for this program. Please visit the link below to see all upcoming and on-demand information sessions.
Overview
Get a head-start on an electrician apprenticeship with courses covering electrical codes and theory along with basic wiring and safety.
This 12-week, full-time program is designed to offer an alternate route to those looking to enter the electrician trade. If you are struggling to find an employer willing to indenture you as an electrician apprentice, this may help you get your foot in the door.
This program covers all course materials for first-year electrician apprentices, as well as additional basic wiring skills and safety training. Upon completion, students will be ready to challenge the first-year electrician apprenticeship exam.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT certificate and may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for the first-year apprenticeship.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in the mining, oil and gas, construction, transportation or manufacturing industry and are prepared to become indentured electrician apprentices.
Potential career progression includes:
- electrician journeyperson
- foreman
- superintendent
- estimator
- electrical inspector
Related careers:
- Electrical engineering technician
- communications technician
Electricians in the construction industry can further specialize in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial types of installations.
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,722
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021.
- Applications for spring 2022 open on June 14, 2021.
- Applications for fall 2022 open on Oct. 6, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Aug. 30, 2021 | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Nov. 22, 2021 | Feb. 22, 2022 |
| Winter 2022 | Feb. 28, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| Spring 2022 | May 24, 2022 | Aug. 12, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Aug. 29, 2022 | Nov. 18, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Nov. 21, 2022 | Feb. 24, 2023 |
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2022 start: applications open March 31, 2021.
- Spring 2022 start: applications are open June 14, 2021.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are open Oct. 6, 2021.
Admission requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 20-1, Math 20-2, Math 20-3, Pure Math 20, or Applied Math 20
- English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 20-2
- Science 10
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 5) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
Note: General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Pre-Employment Electrician and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Program Outline
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CODE-232 | Electrical Code I | 3.0 |
| ELEC-230 | Electrician Theory I | 6.0 |
| ELEC-231 | Electrician Laboratory I | 3.0 |
| ELEC-245 | Elec. Practical Applications I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15.0 |
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
- Rocky Mountain College
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,602 | $121 | $- | $- | $5,722 |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $92
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $75
Student technology fee: $75
Saitsa fee: N/A
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: N/A
- Dental Plan: N/A
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Winter 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place Feb. 28 on campus. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes that begin on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll automatically be enrolled in a fixed block of classes. Learn more on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Additional technology requirements
You'll need a SHARP EL-520X calculator, which is recommended by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
You'll need CSA-approved steel-toed boots or shoes as well as one pair of safety glasses.
Required equipment and tools
You'll need a:
- Staedtler electric/electronic symbols 977/116 template
- Staedtler metric scaling ruler with 1:50 scale
- hand tools box (Klein 12 piece set)
All of these items will be available for purchase during orientation.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you are required to complete two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
You’ll be automatically registered and can access the course through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
PREP 145: Orientation for Apprentices
PREP 145 is a free study skills course for apprentices and pre-employment students. Discover your learning style, develop memory techniques, learn effective ways to conquer your modules, get tips on how to write multiple choice tests and prepare for your apprenticeship exam. Course completion is recommended at the beginning of your first semester.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Academic chair
Alan MacLean, Academic Chair
Email: alan.maclean@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.