Alberta · designated trade
Concrete Finisher
3-Period Apprenticeship ProgramOptional CertificationRed Seal
Concrete Finisher is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 3-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Optional Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Concrete finishers place and finish concrete floors, driveways, sidewalks, curbs, bridge decks and other concrete structures. Concrete finishers apply architectural, exposed, patterned or stamped, broomed and smooth finishes on concrete surfaces. They are skilled at repairing, waterproofing and restoring concrete surfaces.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Certificate of Achievement
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 3 periods (levels)
- Period 1 and 2:
- 1200 hours work experience per period
- 4 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Period 3:
- 1200 hours work experience
- All periods:
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 4 weeks in period 1 and 2
- Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended at Alberta post-secondary institutions.
- See the Recognized Programs section for apprenticeship training offered by alternative training providers.
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1200 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs
- Recognized programs offered by:
- Prairie Trowel Trades Institute (Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 222) Prairie Trowel Trades Institute
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 36 months and 5040 hours of verifiable Concrete Finisher work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Employer Declaration Letter (EDL)
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Concrete Finisher journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 65%
- Period 2: 75%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
Other public references
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