Red Deer College offers the Water Well Driller program, one of the many apprenticeship training options available for students. Apprenticeship is a career option that involves both classroom and on-the-job training. To learn the skills required of a Water Well Driller in Alberta and to be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice.

The term of apprenticeship for Water Well Driller is two years (two 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,800 hours of on-the-job training and six weeks of technical training each year.

Most Water Well Drillers are self-employed or employed by water well drilling companies. Many water well drilling operations are family-run businesses. Water Well Drillers work outdoors and usually travel to various work sites. The demand for water well drilling services slows down somewhat in the winter. During that time, water well drillers may find employment with construction companies, maintain and upgrade their equipment, or work with water purification and water pumping systems. The work is strenuous, noisy and dirty. Hours of work vary because some jobs must continue non-stop until completion. There is some risk of injury involved in working with power equipment.

If you have a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, you are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.

For fee information, visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.