You’ll work with residential, commercial, and industrial systems, including lighting, motor controls, and low-voltage installations.
Electrician Apprenticeship
Begin your journey toward a rewarding career as a certified electrician with Keyano College’s Electrician Apprenticeship Program. Over four years, you’ll blend classroom instruction with extensive hands-on experience, building the skills needed to work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Aligned with Alberta’s apprenticeship and certification standards, this program prepares you to earn your Journeyperson Certificate and Red Seal designation.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured training model that combines paid, on‑the‑job learning with technical classroom instruction, designed to develop fully qualified tradespeople.
For Electricians in Alberta, the apprenticeship spans four training periods over approximately four years:
Periods 1–2:
- At least 1,560 hours of work experience per year
- 8 weeks of classroom instruction per year
Periods 3–4:
- At least 1,500 hours of work experience per year
- 10 weeks of classroom instruction per year
Here’s How It Works
- Register with Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT system)
- Secure a sponsor/employer for on‑the‑job training
- Alternate between classroom learning and workplace work each year
- Pass period exams after each classroom term
- Challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam in Period 4
- Graduate with your Journeyperson Certificate and Advanced Diploma
Apprentices must show progress within 18 months by completing training milestones. In the final period, apprentices may challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Journeyperson Certificate and an Advanced Diploma.
Required PPE: Safety gear as per employer/job site requirements
Program Details
- Format: In-person
- Location: Keyano College, Fort McMurray, Alberta
- Credential: Journeyperson Certificate + Advanced Diploma
- Duration: 4 years (combination of classroom & OJT)
- Red Seal Eligible: Yes (final period)
- Minimum Age: 16+ (with requirements met)
- Tuition: 2025–2026 Year 4 (12-week program): $1,902.44
Required PPE: Safety gear as per employer/job site requirements
What You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Electrician Apprenticeship program will be able to:
- Apply electrical theory to real-world power, lighting, and control systems
- Safely install and maintain circuits in various settings
- Interpret complex blueprints and schematics
- Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment to meet safety and efficiency standards
- Collaborate effectively with other skilled trades
- Work in alignment with national and provincial electrical codes
Career Opportunities
- Licensed electricians are in-demand across Alberta and beyond. Career paths include:
- Electrical contractors (residential, commercial, and industrial)
- Resource and utility companies
- Oil and gas sector
- Construction firms
- Self-employment or entrepreneurship
- Supervisory and inspection roles (with experience)
Hear From Our Students
The instructors are very helpful, and the education system is similar to back home, making it an easy transition.
– Benjamin Fonkou
I love the mix of diversity at the College and how the cultures come together as a family.
– Sapna Sharma
What I like most about studying here is how my instructors are always there to help.
– Chioma Igbokei
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of electrical systems will I work with during training?
Can I start the program without an employer?
Yes. You can begin your first period of classroom training without an employer, but you must find one to complete your on-the-job hours.
What is the difference between an apprentice and a journeyperson?
An apprentice is in training, gaining supervised on-the-job and classroom experience. A journeyperson is fully certified and can work independently.
What certification will I earn after completing the apprenticeship?
You’ll earn a Journeyperson Certificate and an Advanced Diploma. You may also qualify for Red Seal endorsement, allowing you to work across Canada.
Can I transfer my apprenticeship training from another province?
Yes, Keyano College and Alberta Apprenticeship programs recognize some out-of-province training. Contact Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) for transfer eligibility.
Are apprentices paid while completing on-the-job training?
Yes. Apprentices typically earn a percentage of the journeyperson wage, which increases as they progress through their training levels.
What kind of support does Keyano College provide for apprentices?
Keyano offers academic support, career advising, and help connecting with potential employers and sponsors through job boards and career services.
What tools or gear do I need for this program?
You will need steel-toe boots (Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved), safety gear, and basic hand tools. A full list is provided at the start of the program.
Admission Requirements
To register for the Electrician Apprenticeship, you must:
Fulfill the following minimum requirements (any one of the following):
- English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
- Pass all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests
- Entrance Exam
Recommended Pathway:
Alberta High School Diploma with:
- English 30-2, Math 30-3
- Science 30, Physics 30, or Chemistry 30
- Related CTS (Career and Technology Studies) courses
You may begin classroom instruction without a sponsor or employer, but on-the-job hours require one. Most students benefit from having work experience prior to in-class training.
For more details, view Alberta Apprenticeship Entrance Requirements.
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Domestic Students (8-week term) |
Domestic Students (10-week term) |
International Students |
| Full-Time Tuition | $1,064 | $1,330 | Not currently offered |
| Students' Association Fee | $57.52 | $71.90 | – |
| Campus Recreation Fee | $32.50 | $40.63 | – |
| Technology Fee | $105.00 | $105.00 | – |
| Materials Fee | $91.00 | $91.00 | – |
| Total per Intake | $1,366.72 | $1,656.10 |
Refund Policy
- $250 admission deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- If an apprentice withdraws 10 business days before the first day of class, a 50% refund of tuition (minus the $250 admission deposit) is available.
- If the college cancels a program, a full refund will be granted.
- See the Keyano College Credit Calendar for full details.
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Start Building Your Future in the Trades
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Submit an Apprenticeship Industry Training Enrollment Form in person or by email to:
Keyano College, Office of the Registrar
8115 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2H7
Phone: 780-791-4801 or 1-800-251-1408 ext. 4801
Fax: 780-791-4952
Email: registrar@keyano.ca