Apprenticeship Training
Apprentices spend about 80 percent of their time learning on the job from a qualified tradesperson.
They spend the remaining 20 percent of their time taking specialized training courses, usually from colleges or technical institutes.
There are regular schedules of pay associated with apprenticeship training; Apprenticeship & Industry Training (AIT) provides information on this. Receiving your certified ‘journeyman’ papers or ‘ticket’ upon completion of your apprenticeship demonstrates your skill level based on provincial and industry standards. AIT sets the curriculum for each program and regulates the terms and conditions of apprenticeship.
The high demand for qualified tradespeople means that job opportunities are abundant! Our facilities are modern and well equipped.
You’ll use the latest equipment and take classes from instructors with real industry experience.
At Lethbridge College, we offer apprenticeship training for the following trades:
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Automotive Service Technician
- Baker
- Carpenter
- Cook
- Electrician
- Electrician – Alternate Delivery
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Parts Technician
- Plumber
- Plumber and Gasfitter (B)
- Welder
- Welder-Wire Process Operator
Apprenticeship programs require 8 to 12 weeks of classroom training each year, in addition to on-the-job training. The Weekly Apprenticeship Training System (WATS) format allows apprentices to take classes once a week during the term of their apprenticeship.
At Lethbridge College, the Cook apprenticeship follows the WATS format while Baker is being offered in a blended format, theory on-line and practical in lab. First to Third period distance program electricians have six months to complete the course and fourth year distance program electricians have nine months. Parts Technician training is also offered in a WATTS format with the added option of Hy-flex delivery, you can choose to do a portion of the training on-line.
If you are an apprentice and would like to register for training courses at Lethbridge College, please visit www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca or contact:
Tel. 403.320.3323
Fax 1.888.819.9803
Toll-Free 1.800.572.0103
To arrange a tour, call 403.320.3366 or toll-free 1.800.572.0103.
If you would like to become an apprentice, visit: The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca Contact information is available at the following link: http://www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca/contactait/.
Local Apprenticeship Office:
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board
Provincial Building, Room 280
200 - 5th Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4C7
Telephone: 403.381.5382
Fax: 403.381.5795
Career Information Hotline: 1.800.661.3753
Ask about the Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarship Program. You might discover you’re eligible for a financial award!
To learn more about Blue Seal and Trade Certification, please visit: https://lethbridgecollege.ca/departments/corporate-and-continuing-education/blue-seal-and-trades-certification
Click on + to learn more about each program below.
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Agricultural Equipment Technician program to indentured apprentices.
If you are looking for a future in agriculture and enjoy working with your hands to diagnose electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic problems, Lethbridge College’s Agricultural Equipment Technician program is the perfect fit. You’ll learn to maintain, diagnose problems and repair or overhaul equipment such as tractors and harvesting equipment.
To be successful in the industry, you’ll put many of your skills to use such as strength to lift heavy machine parts, flexibility in working hours, some experience in the agriculture industry, and your math, communication and computer skills.
When you’re working in the industry, you could find yourself traveling to farms for service calls or working in service centers. Take your agriculture and mechanical skills to another level with the Agricultural Equipment Technician Apprenticeship.
Automotive Service Technician
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Automotive Service Technician program to indentured apprentices.
North Americans love their cars and when their favorite vehicle needs attention, they want to turn to someone they can trust to provide the service they need. That’s where you come in.
As an Automotive Service Technician, you can provide preventative maintenance, diagnose faulty systems, and repair automotive vehicles and light trucks. You can diagnose and repair engines, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, vehicle suspensions, electrical and air-conditioning systems. You’ll even make sure the ride stays smooth through wheel-balancing and alignment when needed.
The direction you choose to follow for your career could see you working in a large shop, specializing in repairing, rebuilding and servicing specific parts, like braking, suspension or steering systems. In smaller shops, Automotive Service Technicians may work on a wider variety of repair jobs, beginning by reading the work order and examining the vehicle.
It’s the type of career that can be particularly rewarding if you enjoy doing precise work that is varied and challenging.
You’ll train in small classes with lots of hands-on practice. You’ll also find that our shop facilities have state-of-the-art tools and equipment that you will use to repair a wide variety of vehicles.
Similar Lethbridge College option: Automotive Systems – a 32-week certificate program. For details, please refer to the program information pages.
Baker
Chair: 403.320.3245
culinary@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Baking program to indentured apprentices through eight week delivery.
The Baker Apprenticeship program will prepare you for a host of opportunities through an eight-week apprenticeship format designed to prepare you for Red Seal designation. Your newly acquired skills and expertise from the classroom will serve you well on the job as you master the art of baking, learning from award-winning instructor's who have a true commitment to their craft.
From working in a bakery to catering special banquets or preparing gourmet delights in an upscale restaurant, your Baker Apprentice training will prepare you for a host of opportunities. You will also benefit from Lethbridge College’s well-deserved culinary reputation. Our instructors have been recognized with everything from provincial to international awards for their skills. Their commitment to their craft is your guarantee of a quality experience at Lethbridge College.
Carpenter
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Carpentry program to indentured apprentices through CBAT (Competency Based Apprenticeship Training) delivery.
From major construction projects like bridges and buildings to small finishing touches a new homeowner can be proud of, carpenters have a wide range of career options available. You can put your skills and knowledge to use providing a service that continues to be in strong demand.
Keep your personal interests in mind as you set your goals as a carpenter. Your ability to read blueprints, select and measure materials, and coordinate projects can help ensure costly mistakes and omissions are avoided on the job site. Attention to detail will keep things from falling through the cracks. You can look forward to pursuing a range of opportunities or specializing in one type of work such as framing, concrete work or finishing work. You could work alone, in teams or with helpers. Whatever direction you take, you’ll find the work rewarding if you take pride in creating a variety of things with your hands and honing your expertise in woodcraft.
At Lethbridge College, we’ll provide you with the high-quality training you want as part of your Carpenter apprenticeship. You’ll relate well to our instructors as they share their practical experiences with you. You’ll also appreciate our shops, which will give you access to the equipment and experience you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Cook (Weekly Apprenticeship Training System - WATS)
Chair: 403.320.3245
culinary@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Cooking program to indentured apprentices through WATS delivery.
With the right combination of ingredients, training and skill, you can create magic in the kitchen. Lethbridge College has the recipe for your success with our Cook Apprentice program. You supply the enthusiasm and desire to achieve, and we’ll supply the experience you need to keep your apprenticeship on the right track.
As a Cook Apprentice you will learn through observation, practice and study. With the Weekly Apprenticeship Training System (WATS) at Lethbridge College, the training takes place with your needs in mind. One day a week is spent at the College gaining the technical training vital to your culinary future. For the rest of the week you will be putting what you’ve learned to practical experience on the job. It’s the perfect blend that allows you to pursue your education while continuing to earn an income.
From catering special banquets to preparing meals for large institutions to cooking up gourmet delights in an upscale restaurant, your Cook Apprentice training will prepare you for a host of opportunities. You will also benefit from Lethbridge College’s well-deserved culinary reputation. Our instructors have been recognized with everything from provincial to international awards for their skills. Their commitment to their craft is your guarantee of a quality experience at Lethbridge College.
Similar Lethbridge College option: Culinary Careers – a 16-month diploma program with the option to write your WAT I and WAT II equivalency exams (for a fee) and register into the 3rd year WATS program to complete your apprenticeship. For details, please refer to the program information pages.
Electrician
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Electrician program to indentured apprentices through CBAT or Alternate Delivery.
If you thrive on the opportunity to use your skills in a variety of settings, a career as an electrician could really light up your future. Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises.
You won’t find yourself stuck in an office somewhere as an electrician. Depending on the direction your career follows, you can expect work conditions to vary with each job, especially in construction. From working outdoors on scaffolding to indoor jobs in clean comfort, the changes can be dramatic, helping to ensure you won’t be bored with your chosen career.
If you enjoy working with people, you could consider specializing in specific types of installations, such as residential (housing developments), commercial (office buildings), institutional (hospitals), or industrial (plants, factories). Being organized and having a friendly, courteous approach is vital to jobs in these areas. Our instructors maintain close ties to industry to stay on top of trends and provide you with the best education for your investment.
Classes are limited to a maximum of 16 students which provides for a low student-to-instructor ratio and enhanced learning. Our modern facilities are well-equipped and impeccably maintained.
Lethbridge College offers the electrician program to indentured apprentices through CBAT or Alternate Delivery.
The CBAT delivery method, which is for most apprentices, provides you with a flexible approach to your training. This option offers several advantages, including:
- a combination of lectures, labs and self- study, that lets you work at your own pace.
- flexibility in completion times as students can complete in less than the required eight or 12 weeks.
- students have direct access to instructors on a one-to-one basis at least three hours per day.
Electrician - Alternate Delivery
Self-Paced Electrician Training Advantages:
- Work at your own pace
- Students in remote locations minimize time away from home
- Do not need to be away from work for 8 to 12 weeks
- Advisor that may be contacted by phone or e-mail
Entrance Requirements (Alternate Delivery)
You must be an indentured Electrician Apprentice that has been indentured in the past 18 months or has attended a technical training period in the past 18 months. If you have attended a technical training period, you must have a pass mark of 75 percent or better on your provincial exam.
Time Requirements (Alternate Delivery)
1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students have up to six months to complete the course, and 4th year students have 9 months to complete.
Supply Requirements (Alternate Delivery)
A computer with a printer, using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome with Internet access.
How Do I Progress Through the Course? (Alternate Delivery)
Lethbridge College course material that is supplied through the Lethbridge College Bookstore is the primary source of material. Materials can be ordered online.
At the end of each module, you will be required to write an end of module quiz that you access through the Internet. These quizzes are used to ensure that you have understood the module material. Throughout the course, you will be required to write supervised exams. These marks will count towards your final mark in the course. You must obtain a 65 percent average in theory, lab, and code to be qualified to write your provincial exam. The site for writing these supervised exams will be at Lethbridge College or a site that is closer to the student’s residence which will be arranged at the time of registration. Labs must be completed at Lethbridge College during normal class hours, and must be booked with your advisor.
How Do I Begin? (Alternate Delivery)
Eligible apprentices must first contact the Electrical program at Lethbridge College for an interview (contacts are listed below). Once department approval has been given, you may contact the Registrar’s Office to enroll in the program. You will be contacted by a Coordinator who will supply you with information needed to receive materials and ID numbers.
Contact: electricaldistance@lethbridgecollege.ca or the Program Chair at 403.320.3366
Heavy Equipment Technician
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Heavy Equipment Technician program to indentured apprentices.
Heavy Equipment Technicians repair, overhaul and maintain heavy equipment for many industries including highway transport, construction, mining, agricultural and oilfield.
If you work with a logical perspective, this could be the career for you. It’s a field with strong job prospects now and for the future.
You can expect everything from routine maintenance, to troubleshooting that will challenge your skills and abilities. Heavy Equipment Technicians who are employed by companies with their own fleet will typically follow a preventive maintenance schedule and make any necessary repairs. In dealerships and independent repair shops, you may perform general equipment repairs or specialize in engines, powertrains, hydraulics, electrical and electronics, or air-conditioning.
Your work environment will vary considerably from one job to another. You could find yourself working in a shop performing major repairs, or on a construction site, contributing directly to the success of a specific project. Either way, you’ll find it a rewarding experience if you enjoy achieving expertise with precise work, problem-solving and working with your hands.
Similar Lethbridge College option: Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician – a one-year certificate program equivalent to the first and second years of apprenticeship training. For details, please refer to the program information pages.
Parts Technician (Weekly Apprenticeship Training System - WATS)
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Parts Technician program to indentured apprentices through WATS delivery.
Knowing what is what and where it is located in a large warehouse requires a special set of skills that you can acquire as a parts technician. It can be the ideal opportunity for you if you enjoy variety, developing expertise, working with people and participating in your customers’ success.
As a parts technician, you’ll manage and dispense parts inventories, which may include automotive, heavy duty, farm implement, industrial, recreational vehicle, jobbers, plumbing, electrical and so on.
You may be responsible for handling stock, warehousing, identifying and cataloguing parts and assemblies, as well as ordering, receiving, inspecting, sorting, pricing and selling. It all depends upon the size of the wholesale, retail or warehouse distribution business and the types of parts involved.
If you demonstrate the necessary skills and can work effectively with people, you could look forward to advancing to supervisory positions, such as parts department manager, store manager, or even store owner. With some sales experience, interested parts technicians can move into sales representative positions. Lethbridge College has designed this program specifically with you in mind. We follow the Weekly Apprenticeship Training System (WATS) format.
You will attend classes only one day a week, usually from mid-day to early evening, so your time away from the job will be minimized. You also have the option to attend much of your class on-line if that suits you.
Plumber
Plumber and Gasfitter (B)
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Plumber program to indentured apprentices.
Plumbers plan, install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, pumps, piping equipment, and controls. These piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, gases or hot liquids.
As a plumber, you may specialize in the types of work you do:
- installing water conditioners
- installing plumbing in houses under construction
- installing plumbing in commercial, institutional, industrial or public buildings
- renovating, maintaining and repairing existing plumbing
- installing hydronic heating and chilled water systems
Plumbers are employed by construction contractors, plumbing repair shops and large organizations. Some are self-employed.
Welder
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Lethbridge College offers the Welding program to indentured apprentices.
Turn up the heat on your future and get involved with an apprenticeship that can allow you to build a solid career. Welders are in demand in a variety of capacities.
Welders join or sever metals in beams, girders, vessels, piping and other metal components. You could also be involved in making metal parts used in construction and manufacturing plants, or welding parts, tools, machines and equipment.
Welding usually involves applying heat to metal pieces to melt and fuse them together. How you will actually do this will depend on the project and such things as the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength. Welders use different processes and fillers depending upon the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength.
For a typical welding project, they:
- develop patterns for projects or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and/or work orders
- clean, check for defects and shape component parts, sometimes using a cutting torch
- weld parts together
Welders may also build up worn parts by welding layers of high-strength hard-metal alloys onto them.
You’ll find the work rewarding if you enjoy building things and working with little direction or supervision. To be successful in the trade, welders need manual dexterity, good vision (glasses are acceptable), eye-hand coordination, the ability to concentrate on detailed work, and patience. You should also expect to work in a variety of environments from outdoor construction sites to indoor jobs in production and repair shops.
As a welder, your career can take you to a variety of industries including vessel or structural steel assembly, steel fabrication, heavy equipment repair, pipeline construction, and commercial and industrial construction.
Welder – Wire Process Operator
Chair: 403.320.3411
tradeslc@lethbridgecollege.ca
Welder – Wire Process Operators work primarily in production and manufacturing plants, joining components and sub-assemblies to make various items using a variety of construction materials.
Welding in this branch of the welder trade is restricted to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) and other semiautomatic wire feed welding processes.
The Welder – Wire Process Operator uses different welding processes and filler metals depending upon the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished mechanical properties.
For a typical welding project, they:
- join parts together
- may build up worn parts by welding layers of high-strength hard-metal alloys onto them
- follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders
- clean welds, check for defects and may use a cutting torch
Welder – Wire Process Operators are employed in a variety of industries including manufacturing vessel or structural steel fabrication, general steel fabrication, truck body fabrication and heavy equipment repair.