Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Apprenticeship Pathways: Traditional vs Pre-Employment

How does the apprenticeship system work?

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary education program that consists of 80 percent on-the-job training and 20 percent in-class technical training. In each year of training, apprentices must complete

the required hours and months on the job;
technical training at a recognized training provider;
and AIT industry examinations.

Upon successful completion, apprentices are awarded journeyperson status.

Traditional apprenticeship pathway

Under the traditional apprenticeship pathway, new workers who are looking to start in a trade must first find an employer to hire them and register their apprenticeship with Alberta Apprentice & Industry Training (AIT). Part of the registration ensures that the apprentice is paired with a certified journeyperson who will support the apprentice’s on-the-job training. Once the apprentice has completed the first year of on-the-job hours, registered apprentices can then attend their first year of technical training.

Traditional Apprenticeship Pathways

Pre-employment apprenticeship pathway

Finding that first employer can be challenging, as most new workers will not have any experience in the trade they are applying for. Employers may be reluctant to take on new apprentices as they may not have the experience or confidence to be productive on the job site. Even when a potential tradesperson is hired, there is often a probationary period where they will work as a labourer prior to becoming a registered apprentice.

Pre-employment training allows new workers to complete their first year of technical training prior to becoming a registered apprentice.

Pre-Employement Apprenticeship Pathways

A pre-employment program teaches the exact same content as outlined in AIT; however, course content is taught over a longer period of time (usually 1.5 times the length of the regular program). This allows students more time to learn the required theory and practical skills as they do not yet possess the same job site experience of a traditional registered apprentice.

Students who complete pre-employment training and are successful on both their theory and practical exams will be credited their first year apprenticeship once they have completed their on-the-job hours.

Where can I learn more about pre-apprenticeship?

As entering the trades has grown more competitive, many technical training institutions have developed pre-employment programs. Participation in these programs will help the next generation of apprentices get their foot in the door by improving their skills, productivity, confidence, and safety. Pre-employment course offering varies by trade, so check out your local technical school for more information or contact CLAC Career Development College for support!

Apprenticeship Pathways: Traditional vs Pre-Employment

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