1. Choose a trade
To begin your apprenticeship journey, you must first have your trade selected. If you are unsure of which trade to pick, begin by exploring our
2. Find an employer
You can register as an apprentice and attend your technical training without having an employer.
Apprentices with previous on-the-job experience are usually more successful in class. Because of this, we strongly recommend finding employment and earning your hours before you register.
How you can find an employer:
- Review the Canada Job Bank, Indeed and Workopolis for apprenticeship job postings in Alberta.
- Visit workplaces in person with a resume on hand and ask if they are hiring. Oftentimes, going in person can lead to more opportunities than applying online.
- Check with local trade unions about employment opportunities.
- Research potential employers that might be the right fit for you. Check out the company through online platforms such as LinkedIn or GlassDoor.
- Take one of our Pre-Employment programs to receive apprenticeship education and the experience that an employer may be looking for.
3. Apply to become an apprentice
Once you have an employer, you'll need to apply online at the Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) website MyTradeSecrets.
To apply:
- Create your MyAlberta Digital ID. Your Digital ID is a unique and secure online identity to access multiple government programs and services.
- Verify your identity with AIT. You will require your Alberta Student Number (ASN), found on your Alberta high school transcript or obtained through the Learner Registry.
- Complete the application. For apprenticeship applications, ensure your employer has provided you with the email address of someone who has the authority to enter into the apprenticeship contact with you.
- Pay online or indicate that you will pay in person at an AIT office.
The apprenticeship application and contract is a legal agreement between you and your employer through the Alberta government. It will outline responsibilities for both you and your employer and covers the following:
- Your commitment to completing your technical and on-the-job training requirements.
- Your employer's commitment to paying you a certain percentage of the journeyperson wage and increasing your pay as you progress through training.
- Your employer's commitment to on-the-job training while also allowing you time to attend apprenticeship education.
If you have taken a pre-employment, technician, diploma or other pre-apprenticeship training program, you may not need to return to SAIT for a portion of your apprenticeship education. Review this with the Apprenticeship and Industry Training office and your employer.
Resources
Once you have registered with Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) and your employer and you have signed your contract, you will receive a record book (blue book). Your blue book will help you record the following:
- hours worked
- apprenticeship hour credits
- your most recent employer(s)
- hours required for exam eligibility
You will need to make your blue book available to your journeyperson supervisor as required. When you complete a period of your apprenticeship (both on-the-job training and technical training), return your record book to the nearest AIT office for a certificate of progress. When your record book is returned to you, you are eligible for an increase in the minimum apprenticeship wage for your trade.
MyTradeSecrets is AIT's online portal for apprentices, you can sign onto MyTradeSecrets to manage the following:
- update personal information
- check your application status
- search for eligible classes
- register online for classes
- view your class schedule
- add or remove yourself from a waitlist
- cancel your class registration,
- view your exam schedule and exam marks
- check your record book updates
SAIT is here to support you every step of your apprenticeship journey, from your first day to your final day of training. We have tailored our services and resources to provide you with the support you need to succeed in your program.