Alberta · designated trade
Natural Gas Compression Technician
4-Period Apprenticeship ProgramOptional Certification
Natural Gas Compression Technician is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 4-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.
Natural gas compression technicians install, commission, maintain, and repair natural gas compression equipment used to gather, store and transmit natural gas.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Advanced Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
Program Requirements
- 4 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1500 hours work experience per period
- 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in all periods
- Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended.
- Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here. Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here
- Entrance requirements:
- English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1500 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
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Automotive Service Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Instrument and Control Technician
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Transport Refrigeration Technician
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 72 months and 9000 hours of verifiable Natural Gas Compression Technician 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.
- Restricted Activities List - Natural Gas Compression Technician
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice, or
- working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
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 Natural Gas Compression Technician journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 60%
- Period 2: 70%
- Period 3: 80%
- Period 4: 90%
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.
Other public references
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