Alberta · designated trade
Power System Electrician
4-Period Apprenticeship ProgramOptional Certification
Power System Electrician 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.
Power system electricians are employed in the utility, industrial, oil and gas, renewable energy sectors. The duties include the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical power generation (including coal, natural gas and renewable energy), transmission and distribution systems and equipment. In general, they work in the distinct areas of power generation, substation equipment, protection and control, and metering.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Advanced Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
Program Requirements
- 4 periods (levels)
- Period 1 and 2:
- 1590 hours work experience per period
- 7 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Period 3 and 4:
- 1560 hours work experience per period
- 8 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
- 7 weeks in period 1 and 2
- 8 weeks in period 3 and 4
- Offered at Lethbridge Polytechnic and NAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1590 hours in period 1 and 2
- 1560 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
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 72 months and 9450 hours of verifiable Power System Electrician 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:
- 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 Power System Electrician journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 50%
- Period 2: 60%
- Period 3: 67.5%
- Period 4: 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.
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