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: $5,373
*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 2021 open March 30, 2020.
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Winter 2021 | March 1, 2021 |
Spring 2021 | May 25, 2021 |
Fall 2021 | Aug. 23, 2021 |
Fall 2021 | Nov. 15, 2021 |
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2020 start: applications open Oct. 2, 2019.
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020.
- Spring, summer or fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020.
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.
Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $5,187 | $186 | - | - | $5,373 |
Fees
Health Plan: N/A
Dental Plan: N/A
Student Association: N/A
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $86
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $800
- 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 2021
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place on your first day of classes. Watch your inbox for details.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
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.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including ETHI 100: Ethics in Action.
Required textbooks
Books and supplies will be available for purchase from SAIT beginning on your first day of classes.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Academic chair
Alan MacLean, Academic Chair
Email: alan.maclean@sait.ca
DeliveryThis program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. How to register for classesYou'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. Preparation coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including ETHI 100: Ethics in Action. Required textbooksThe booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term. |
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.