3 years (minimum 1,500 hours yearly on-the-job training +
4 weeks at RDC each year)

Red Deer College offers the Rig Technician 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 Rig Technician 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. For more information, please visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

The term of apprenticeship for a Rig Technician is three years (three 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training for each year and four weeks (30 hours per week) of technical training each year.

Rig Technicians are employed by drilling contractors, who own and operate oil and gas well drilling rigs and who contract with oil producers to drill wells. Work schedules for Rig Technicians vary with industry demand, but an example of a Rig Technician's work schedule is two weeks of work followed by one week off from work. Rig Technicians may be promoted to Rig Managers, or to management positions within the drilling industry. Experienced Rig Technicians may also be hired by specialist companies for occupations such as Mud Technician, Directional Driller, or for service occupations. For example, they may go on to drilling-related equipment sales, employment as rig training providers, occupations in rig regulation, occupations in rig supervision, oil and gas well supervision or rig safety, or various other career paths.

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.