--- title: Where to Start | Begin Your Career in the Trades description: Get the support and direction you need to enter Alberta’s construction trades. Start your journey with information on apprenticeships, funding, and practical steps. --- [Skip to content](https://notradeoffs.ca/where-to-start#main-content) [![bild-logo](https://notradeoffs.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/bild-logo.png?width=274&height=142&name=bild-logo.png)](https://notradeoffs.ca/?hsLang=en) - [The Trades](https://notradeoffs.ca/the-trades?hsLang=en) - [Find Your Fit](https://notradeoffs.ca/find-your-fit?hsLang=en) - [Where to Start](https://notradeoffs.ca/where-to-start) - [Trade Myths](https://notradeoffs.ca/trade-myths?hsLang=en) - [Resources](https://notradeoffs.ca/resources?hsLang=en) - [About BILD](https://notradeoffs.ca/about-bild?hsLang=en) - [The Trades](https://notradeoffs.ca/the-trades?hsLang=en) - [Find Your Fit](https://notradeoffs.ca/find-your-fit?hsLang=en) - [Where to Start](https://notradeoffs.ca/where-to-start) - [Trade Myths](https://notradeoffs.ca/trade-myths?hsLang=en) - [Resources](https://notradeoffs.ca/resources?hsLang=en) - [About BILD](https://notradeoffs.ca/about-bild?hsLang=en) Your browser does not support the video tag. # Where to Start Apprenticeships are where careers in the trades begin. Here you will be introduced to real work, real pay, and the chance to acquire real skills from day one.  Train on the job and earn while you learn. That’s the value of a career with no trade offs. Your browser does not support the video tag. # Where to Start Apprenticeships are where careers in the trades begin. Here you will be introduced to real work, real pay, and the chance to acquire real skills from day one.  Train on the job and earn while you learn. That’s the value of a career with no trade offs. ## Build Your Future From The Ground Up. Thinking about a career in the home building trades? Whether you love working with your hands, solving problems, or leading teams, there’s a path for you in this high-demand, rewarding industry. From apprenticeships to training programs and on-the-job learning, there are many ways to get started—no experience required. Here’s a look at the different routes you can take to build a successful future in the trades. ### Internship (High School or Under 21) An internship is a short-term job opportunity where you build hands-on skills while exploring what trade might be the right fit for you. You can do an internship during the school year or over the summer — and guess what? You don’t need any experience to start. Not sure which trade to choose? No worries. Careers Next Generation can walk you through your options and help you take your first step. [Careers Next Generation](https://www.careersnextgen.ca/get-an-internship/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21815416276&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQckqnRNj0iLShRm7EQns_bqdKjTCFA_ySMrBNR0T64FWwxXddYFuA_LRoC6-gQAvD_BwE) ### Join a Crew It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience, earn money, and see what the job is really like. As you work, you’ll also get exposed to other trades on the job site — giving you the change to explore different career paths while building valuable skills. Not sure if it's the right fit yet? That’s perfectly okay.   This could be your first step toward a solid career — or the moment you realize you’re ready to take the next step and become an apprentice. Explore job boards to search a trade that interests to you. [ALIS Job Board](https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/alberta-job-postings/?offset=0&language=en&rDistance=0&experienceRequired[]=16713&category[]=7&page=1) ### Registered Apprentice Program High school students can earn credits toward both an apprenticeship program and a high school diploma through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).    To learn more:   - Talk to your school's counsellor. - Check out the [Apprenticeship and Industry Training](https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/SOURCES/PDFs/publications/AIT_Brochure.pdf) brochure. - Visit the [nearest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office.](https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/contact-us/?QUERY=1) - Call the [Alberta Supports Contact Centre](https://alis.alberta.ca/tools-and-resources/alberta-supports/) toll-free in Alberta at 1-877-644-9992. [Reach out to Careers (RAP)](https://www.careersnextgen.ca/get-an-internship/registered-apprenticeship-program-rap/) ## Become an Apprentice A career in the trades comes with plenty of opportunities, like apprenticeships.   As an Apprentice, you’ll learn alongside trained professionals, master in-demand skills, and get paid while working toward a journeyperson ticket that opens doors across Alberta. Whether you’re into building, wiring, piping, or managing projects, there’s a path that fits.    We’ve broken down the apprenticeship process, so you can stop wondering how to get started, and start building your career. ![step-1](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/step-1.svg) ### Step 1: Take the Right High School Courses [Choose your trade](https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/designated-trades-profiles/) and complete the [minimum high school requirements for your trade](https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/SOURCES/PDFS/Entrance_Requirements.pdf). These give you a head start and show employers you're serious about the trades.  ![step2](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/step2.svg) ### Step 2: Find an Employer (Your Sponsor) Next, you’ll need to find a certified tradesperson or company to hire you as an apprentice. This is your sponsor—they’ll teach you on the job and officially [register your apprenticeship.](https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/get-started/become-an-apprentice/apply-for-apprenticeship/) ![step3](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/step3.svg) ### Step 3: Learn While You Work Once hired, you’ll begin working full-time and logging your hours. Each trade requires a set number of hours per year, and this hands-on learning is key to building your skills. ![step4](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/step4.svg) ### Step 4: Register for Trade School Through Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), you can register for a trade school program. Apply early — some popular programs fill up quickly.  ![step5](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/step5.svg) ### step 5: Attend Trade School (Technical Training) After gaining on-the-job experience , you’ll attend trade school for 6-8 weeks. You’ll learn the theory behind your trade — from safety rules to blueprints — write your branch exam, and return to work with new knowledge. ![step6](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/step6.svg) ### step 6: Cycle Between Work and School You’ll return to work to log more hours, then head back to school again. This pattern repeats over 2–4 years, depending on the trade. Each round building on the last. ![step7](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/step7.svg) ### step 7: Earn Your Journeyperson Ticket Once you've completed the required hours and training, you’ll write a final exam. Pass it, and you become a certified journeyperson — fully qualified, recognized, and ready to build your future. ![Polygon 1-1](https://notradeoffs.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Polygon%201-1.png?width=62&height=71&name=Polygon%201-1.png) ## Continue on Your Career Path Once you become proficient in your trade, other opportunities that exist to grow or change into. You could:   - Work in Sales - Estimating - Safety Inspector - Home Inspector - Trade Inspector - Trade Consultant - Supervision or Site Superintendent (trade specific or home construction) - Project Manager/General Contractor - Own your own company   Take the first step to building your future – today! Our goal is to ignite passion for the trades by showing young Albertans that building homes means building purpose — a hands-on career with real impact, lasting pride, and a future they can help shape. — Chris Richer, SVP, Brookfield Residential - [The Trades](https://notradeoffs.ca/the-trades?hsLang=en) - [Find Your Fit](https://notradeoffs.ca/find-your-fit?hsLang=en) - [Where to Start](https://notradeoffs.ca/where-to-start) - [Resources](https://notradeoffs.ca/resources?hsLang=en) - [About BILD](https://notradeoffs.ca/about-bild?hsLang=en) [![bild-logo](https://notradeoffs.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/bild-logo.png?width=274&height=142&name=bild-logo.png)](https://notradeoffs.ca/?hsLang=en) - [![insta](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/insta.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/bildalberta) - [![snapchat](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/snapchat.svg)](https://www.snapchat.com/@bild_alberta) - [![TikTok](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/TikTok.svg)](https://tiktok.com/@bild_alberta) - [![youtube](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/youtube.svg)](https://youtube.com/@bildalberta) [![bild-logo](https://notradeoffs.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/bild-logo.png?width=274&height=142&name=bild-logo.png)](https://notradeoffs.ca/?hsLang=en) - [The Trades](https://notradeoffs.ca/the-trades?hsLang=en) - [Find Your Fit](https://notradeoffs.ca/find-your-fit?hsLang=en) - [Where to Start](https://notradeoffs.ca/where-to-start) - [Resources](https://notradeoffs.ca/resources?hsLang=en) - [About BILD](https://notradeoffs.ca/about-bild?hsLang=en) - [![insta](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/insta.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/bildalberta) - [![snapchat](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/snapchat.svg)](https://www.snapchat.com/@bild_alberta) - [![TikTok](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/TikTok.svg)](https://tiktok.com/@bild_alberta) - [![youtube](https://notradeoffs.ca/hubfs/youtube.svg)](https://youtube.com/@bildalberta) ![canada](https://notradeoffs.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/canada.png?width=188&height=46&name=canada.png) ![alberta](https://notradeoffs.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/alberta.png?width=217&height=61&name=alberta.png) The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.