Alberta · designated trade
Electrician
4-Period Apprenticeship ProgramCompulsory CertificationRed Seal
Electrician is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 4-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Compulsory 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.
Electricians work with electrical systems that provide heat, light, power, control signals, and fire alarms in all kinds of buildings and structures.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Learning Outcomes
- Gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the program Competence Statements.
Credential
- Advanced Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement(s) (optional)
Program Requirements
- 4 periods (levels)
- Period 1 and 2:
- 1560 hours work experience per period
- 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Period 3 and 4:
- 1500 hours work experience per period
- 10 weeks classroom instruction per period
- All periods:
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in period 1 and 2
- 10 weeks in period 3 and 4
- Offered at Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College, NAIT, Northern Lakes College, Northwestern Polytechnic, Portage College, Red Deer Polytechnic, and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
- Class Catalogue
- Curriculum Guide
- Curriculum Guide Companion Document
- Financial Assistance
- Entrance Requirements
- Entrance Exams
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1560 hours in period 1 and 2
- 1500 hours in period 3 and 4
- 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
Program Updates
- Apprentices and previously certified journeypersons in Alberta can now receive both the Construction Electrician and Industrial Electrician journeyperson certificates.
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs
- Recognized programs offered by:
- Electrical Industry Training Centres of Alberta (IBEW) (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 424) Electrical Industry Training Centres of Alberta (IBEW)
Related Trade Certificates
- Communication Technician
- Electric Motor Sytems Technician
- Instrumentation and Control Technician
- Power System Electrician
- Powerline Technician
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 72 months and 9180 hours of verifiable Electrician work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Submit a Trades Competency Verification (TCV).
- Complete 72 months and 9180 hours of verifiable Electrician work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Submit a Trades Competency Verification (TCV).
- Trades Qualifier - Work Experience Program
- Trades Competency Verification (TCV)
- Electrician Trade Competency Verification (TCV) Sample Book
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
- 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:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
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 Electrician journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 50%
- Period 2: 60%
- Period 3: 70%
- Period 4: 80%
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 for Construction Electrician and/or Industrial Electrician upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
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