Trades & Technology Apprenticeship
FAQ

What does Registered Apprentice mean? | ||||||
You need to be registered with an employer to be an apprentice. You will sign an apprenticeship contract. This means you are eligible for the technical training. You also will begin to keep track of your on-the-job hours. Each training period requires a minimum number of hours along with pass that period’s exam in order to move to the next level of training. | ||||||
What training is offered at Lakeland? | ||||||
Notes:
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Can I apply online? | ||||||
Yes. We prefer you use MyTradesecrets to register. This includes online payment of your fees. | ||||||
What are the academic requirements? | ||||||
These also vary by trade. Some, such as electrician, recommend grade 12 English, math and at least one science. Alberta Apprenticeship provides both minimum requirements as well as recommended paths. You may also write an entrance exam to qualify for training. Check the tradesecrets eligibility and educational requirements page for more details. | ||||||
How long is my training period? | ||||||
Your apprenticeship includes an annual training period plus required hours on the job. How many training periods and how long the training period run depends on the trade.
Of the 9 we offer at Lakeland, most are 4 training periods. Electrical has a 12-week training period in year 4. Parts and welder all have 3 periods. As well, most training periods are 8 weeks. There are some exceptions:
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Do I have to take my training all at the same college? | ||||||
No. But we’d like you to take all of your training at Lakeland. You can take your technical training at any of the approved post-secondaries in Alberta. | ||||||
What is Red seal? | ||||||
The interprovincial standards Red Seal program has been around since 1959. Currently the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) is working on a harmonization initiative so trades are more closely aligned. 30 Red Seal trades will go through this process by 2010. By writing and passing your Interprovincial, or red seal, exam you will be able to work anywhere in Canada without having to write another province’s trade exam. Not all trades have red seal standards. If you trade does, you’ll write the Alberta exam on the last Thursday of your training period and the red seal one on the Friday. For more information, check the Red Seal website. Lakeland also offers prep courses for red seal exams for anyone who hasn’t achieved their red seal status. Check continuing education for those courses. |
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What is Blue seal? | ||||||
Blue Seal program is the common name for the Achievement in Business Competencies Program. This program was established by Alberta Apprenticeship to encourage journeymen who go on to study business. This is helpful if you plan to own your own business or manage a business. Complete details are available on the Blue Seal website. |
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Do I qualify for scholarships or student financial aid? | ||||||
Lakeland has several scholarships and awards just for apprenticeship students. There are number of grants, loans and tax benefits available to you. The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Board provides over 900 scholarship to apprentices and occupational trainees every year. You also qualify for unemployment insurance while you are at your training. You can even apply for it 7 days before you finish work. |
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If I’m in agricultural equipment technician can I take some of my training at Lakeland? | ||||||
You can take your 2nd and 4th training periods here. We provide all the heavy equipment training periods. The 2nd and 3rd periods of heavy equipment are common to the 2nd and 4th periods of agricultural equipment. | ||||||
Do you offer any apprenticeship training online? | ||||||
You may take the first and last periods of parts technician online. We offer all 3 periods here. You can take all three at Lakeland, or take period one or three online. | ||||||