Start studying at NAIT first
Diploma and certificate programs provide a direct pathway into trades training without having to find employment first. Unlike the apprenticeship pathway, you do not have to be employed and registered as an apprentice through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) to apply to these programs – you can apply directly online.
After completing the diploma or certificate programs, you will have skills and knowledge comparable to a journeyperson. You also have the option to write apprenticeship exams and complete apprenticeship hours to receive a journeyperson’s certificate.
This pathway is available to international students.
Explore our diploma and certificate programs
Find employment first
First, find employment with a qualified employer. Then you can register as an apprentice by submitting the Apprenticeship Application and Contract online with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). To learn more about becoming registered as an apprentice, visit MyTradesecrets.
Once you are employed and registered through AIT, you can enrol in technical training at NAIT. Depending on your trade, most apprenticeship programs are 3 to 4 periods in length, with an average of 8 weeks for each training period. Additionally, there are specific allotments of on-the-job training hours associated with each period, so most apprentices complete 1 period per calendar year.
Ready to get started? We can walk you through the Apprenticeship admissions process.
Start the admissions process
Start in grade 10
Organized through AIT and CAREERS, the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is available to students in high school (starting in grade 10). Every high school has a RAP coordinator or academic counsellor who can connect you with appropriate resources.
RAP will help you find employment in your desired trade so you can earn a wage and complete on-the-job training hours while obtaining high school credits. Once you are enrolled in RAP, you will be registered as an apprentice with AIT and can use the training hours towards your first period apprenticeship of your designated trade.
Learn more about the Registered Apprenticeship Program
Start training, then find employment
For some trades, you can take a short-term program at NAIT to begin technical training. Then, you can secure employment and apply online with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) to become a registered apprentice.
What’s the difference between diploma/certificate programs and pre-employment programs?
With pre-employment programs, you still need to find employment and then register as an apprentice to earn your journeyperson certificate. With diploma/certificate programs, you do not need to find employment and register as an apprentice with AIT to earn your diploma or certificate. If you decide you want to earn a journeyperson certificate, you can then choose to complete apprenticeship hours after graduation.
NAIT offers the following pre-employment program:
Continue your education and upgrade your skills
Want to try a few courses before beginning an apprenticeship program? Already have your journeyperson certificate but want to brush up on your skills and techniques? Try our Skilled Trades Continuing Education courses.
Explore our Continuing Education courses