Stay Strong.
Stay Ahead.
Money for School. Tools for Work. No Trade Offs.
Starting a career in the trades doesn’t mean going into debt. With scholarships, grants, and support programs available across Alberta, you can earn your certification without draining your wallet.
From covering tuition to buying your first set of tools, there's help to get you started -so you can focus on building your future, not paying for it.
BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers
AIT High School Scholarship
No application required — just provide consent and your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship
AIT Scholarships
WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR
This list of essentials will help you prepare for real job sites and stand out to employers.
Having a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is key.
A clean or mostly clean driving record matters — texting tickets are a red flag, but a past speeding ticket might not be a dealbreaker. Since job sites are often in areas without public transit, you’ll need to get there reliably.
You’ll also need your own insurance.
Being listed as a secondary driver on your parent’s policy isn’t enough. Many companies require at least three years of personal insurance history if you’ll be driving a company vehicle.
Read and understand the job posting before applying.
Know what you’re getting into, and if your experience isn’t a perfect match, explain why you’re still a good fit. For example: “I don’t have construction experience, but I grew up on a farm and know how to work hard and fix things.”
Be on time and dress for the job.
Punctuality and proper workwear go a long way in showing you’re serious. Personal hygiene also matters — show up clean, showered, and ready to work.
Put the phone away.
Phones should be tools, not distractions. For safety reasons, stay focused while on-site.
Be proactive.
Don’t wait to be told what to do every minute. If your task is done, grab a broom or look for another way to help without being asked.
Know basic tools and safety.
You should understand types of screwdrivers, how to safely use a saw, how to change a drill bit, and how to swing a hammer. No one expects you to know everything — just come prepared to learn and work safely. You should know how to use a tape measure and be comfortable reading measurements and fractions.
Most importantly, bring a positive attitude.
Willingness to work hard, learn, listen, and be part of the team often matters more than being the most skilled person on-site.
GLOSSARY
Key terms to know as you explore a future in the trades:
RAP – Registered Apprentice Program: Lets high school students begin apprenticeships while earning credits.
Labourer – Entry-level worker who assists skilled trades on job sites.
Sponsor – A certified tradesperson or employer who supports and supervises your apprenticeship.
Apprentice – Someone learning a trade through paid, on-the-job training and technical instruction.
Journeyperson – A certified trades professional who has completed the required training and exams.
Ticket – Informal term for journeyperson certification.
AIT – Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training: The provincial body that registers apprentices, tracks hours, and administers certification.
Trade Schools in Alberta
Trade School, often referred to as a "polytechnic", is a school you can go to after high school that focuses on hands-on learning and practical skills. Instead of just studying theory, you actually learn how to do things you’ll need for specific careers — like engineering, design, trades, or technology.
Unlike a regular university, which is more focused on academic or research-based learning, a polytechnic connects its programs directly to what employers are looking for. That means when you graduate, you’ll already have the skills and experience to step into a job.
