4 years (minimum 1560 hours yearly on-the-job training + 8 weeks at RDC for 3 years; minimum 1440 hours on-the-job training + 12 weeks for 4th year)

Red Deer College offers the Electrician Apprentice 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 an Electrician in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. For more information, please visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

The term of apprenticeship for an Electrician is four years (four 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training, eight weeks of technical training in the first, second and third year, and a minimum of 1,440 hours of on-the-job training and 12 weeks of technical training in the fourth year.

Electricians work for construction and maintenance contractors, manufacturers, resource companies, and other large organizations. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $50 an hour. Electricians may advance to positions such as Foreman, Superintendent, Estimator or Electrical Inspector. Some Electricians start their own contracting businesses.

In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to obtain electrical work permits. Alberta Certified Electricians may apply to the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta to become Master Electricians after three years of becoming certified and passing a written exam. 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.