Where to Start

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

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

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 brochure.
Visit the nearest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office.
Call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free in Alberta at 1-877-644-9992.

Reach out to Careers (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: Take the Right High School Courses

Choose your trade and complete the minimum high school requirements for your trade. These give you a head start and show employers you're serious about the trades.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.