Trades Pathways for Newcomers

What to expect from the program

You'll be placed in either the carpentry or pipe trades pathway based on the preferences, skills, and goals you express in your application. Whichever pathway you enter, you'll receive hands-on trade training while developing the English language and workplace skills needed for Alberta's construction industry. 

You’ll also earn five industry safety certifications and participate in an industry experience week—where you’ll visit construction sites, tour employer facilities, meet industry professionals, and learn about career opportunities in the skilled trades. 

To stay in these programs, you must attend classes regularly and keep an average mark of 65% or higher. 

Carpentry 

Learn the skills needed to begin an apprenticeship in carpentry, including: 

• Construction math
• Blueprint reading
• Framing and formwork 
• Safe use of tools and equipment
• Materials handling and workplace safety 

You’ll complete the program prepared to write the first-period Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) carpenter apprenticeship exam. If you pass the exam and complete the required work hours with an employer, you may receive credit toward your first-year carpenter apprenticeship.

Program schedule 

• Weeks 1-2 – English and workplace skills at NorQuest College 
• Weeks 3-15 – Pre-Employment First-Period Carpenter Program and safety courses at Alberta Carpenter’s Training Centre (ACTC) 
• Week 16– Carpentry industry experience week organized by NorQuest College. 

Pipe trades

This first-year training level is common to all pipe trades, including Plumber, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Gasfitter, and Sprinkler System Installer. Learn the skills needed to begin an apprenticeship in the pipe trades including:

• Construction math
• Blueprint reading
• Measuring and layout
• Basic pipe fabrication and installation
• Piping system theory
• Safe use of tools and equipment
• Materials handling and workplace safety

You’ll complete the program prepared to write the first-period Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) pipe trades apprenticeship exam. If you pass the exam and complete the required work hours with an employer, you may receive credit toward your first-year pipe trades apprenticeship.

Program schedule

• Weeks 1-2 – English and workplace skills at NorQuest College 
• Weeks 3-15 – Pre-Employment First-Period Pipefitter Program and safety courses at Alberta Pipe Trade College (APTC). 
• Weeks 16 – Pipe trades industry experience week organized by NorQuest College. 

Who should take this program 

This program is for people who:

• Are immigrants to Canada.
• Do not have a job or are working very little, and you are not receiving EI (Employment Insurance).
• Have a reliable way to get to class, work placements, and job sites that are hard to get to by bus.
• Are interested in working in trades but are having a hard time getting started.
• Want help with their English language skills to work in the trades.
• Meet all the entrance requirements for this program.

In partnership with Alberta Carpenters Training Centre and Alberta Pipe Trades College 

Funded by