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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.
After you successfully complete this program, you may choose to continue your training as an apprentice. Once indentured by an employer, you may register for SAIT's Electrician apprenticeship program.
You may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for first-year apprenticeship.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT pre-employment certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Pre-Employment Electrician certificate requires 15 credits (4 courses) to complete.
Course | Credits |
---|---|
This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca |
3 |
This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca |
6 |
This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca |
3 |
This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca |
3 |
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.
Admission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.
- Math 20-1, Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, AND,
- English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 20-2, AND,
- Science 10
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
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English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Fall 2023
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Closed
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Application deadline: TBD
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Winter 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Waitlisted
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Application deadline: Oct. 26, 2023
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Spring 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024
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Summer 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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Costs
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
Domestic students
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees |
Additional fees |
Total per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0.5* | $6,330 | $157 | $6,487 |
Total cost:
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$6,487 |
*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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 is required this term.
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
- Pre-employment Electrician hand tools box (Milwaukee)
- All of these items will be available for purchase from the SAIT Bookstore.

Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn moreThis program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process

Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Learn how to applyCommunication during admission
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. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:
MacPhail School of Energy
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Phone - 403.284.8451
Subscribe for updates
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