Apprenticeship: Learning in Action

Trades

Contact Us

Dana Gard-Sweeney
Trades Enrolment Specialist
780 853 8445
780 214 1257
Ask me your questions

Learn on the job

As an apprentice you’re already learning on the job. Each training requires a certain minimum of on-the-job hours.

Your technical training here isn’t just hitting the books. You’ll be in the lab putting new concepts and techniques into practice.

Skills

Each trade has three or four training periods for course instruction. Check out some of the skills you'll be practicing. Check the course page for each trade for specific topics and hours.

Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and electrical fundamentals
Apply organizational and manufacturer specifications
Select, use and maintain specialty tools
Perform maintenance on steering systems
Inspect, test and analyze suspension systems
Repair braking and steering systems

Use oxy-fuel equipment for heating and cutting
Use GMAW equipment for welding
Inspect, test and analyze vehicle propulsion systems
Diagnostics for electrical systems
Repair drive train systems

Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and electrical fundamentals
Select and use diagnostic equipment
Diagnostics for vehicle management systems
Diagnostics for electrical systems
Perform repairs on fuel systems and electrical systems

Demonstrate digital literacy and mentorship
Diagnostics for drive train systems
Repair HVAC systems and propulsion systems

For a full list of core competences listed by Trades Alberta, please visit the apprenticeship curriculum guide.

Apply legislation, regulations and practices ensuring safe work
Use standard practices for climbing, lifting, rigging and hoisting
Use hand tools, portable power tools and stationary power tools
Construct foundation systems and footings
Interpret working drawings and construction documentation
Apply math concepts using both metric and imperial systems of measurement

Construct wall framing systems for wood frame buildings
Construct wood frame roof systems
Install engineered truss system
Install windows and doors
Construct single and multi-flight stairs
Interpret building codes and standards

Assemble scaffold systems
Use survey equipment for building layout
Construct concrete wall and column formwork, suspended slab formwork and concrete stair formwork
Construct commercial interior millwork
Calculate volumes for cut, fill and excavation requirements

Construct an interior finish carpentry project
Frame unequal slope roofs, dormers, turrets and other roof features
Construct winder and curved stairs
Apply current and emerging technologies in energy efficient construction
Install insulation and air barrier systems
Interpret industrial drawings

For a full list of core competences listed by Trades Alberta, please visit the apprenticeship curriculum guide.

Use drawings, diagrams, schematics and specifications
Select, use and maintain measurement instruments
Interpret and apply the CE Code
Connect and analyze resistive circuits
Analyze electrical systems

Use drawings, diagrams, schematics and specifications
Interpret and apply the CE Code
Connect and analyze single-phase alternating current (AC) circuits
Analyze and troubleshoot electrical systems

Select, use and maintain measurement instruments
Interpret and apply the CE code
Connect and analyze three-phase alternating current (AC) circuits
Analyze and troubleshoot electrical systems

Demonstrate safety awareness and safe work practices
Use drawings, diagrams, schematics and specifications
Interpret and apply the CE code
Connect and analyze electronics
Analyze electrical systems

For a full list of core competences listed by Trades Alberta, please visit the apprenticeship curriculum guide.

Correct use of hand, shop and power tools
Use of measuring tools common to the trade
Metal cutting and heating operations using oxyacetylene equipment
Repair common types of frame and suspension systems
Service wheels, tires and hubs
Operation of hydraulic drum and disc brake systems
Explain power braking systems service procedures
Service, test and charge a lead-acid battery
Principles of operation of truck/tractor air brake systems

Engine fundamentals, service and repair
Service turbocharged air induction systems
Service lubrication systems and related components
Service liquid and air-cooling systems
Explain operation of basic and advanced fuel injection systems
Interpret basic diagnostic information from a typical diesel engine electronic control system
Explain operation of emission control systems
Diagnose and service 12 volt and 24 volt charging systems

Diagnose and repair common hydraulic pumps
Service hydraulic pressure, flow and directional control valves
Diagnose and service off-road equipment steering systems
Explain operation of typical off-road equipment electrical and warning circuits
Operation of powershift and automatic transmission mechanical components
Repair drive axle and carrier assemblies

Repair mechanical transmissions
Diagnose and service truck steering systems
Diagnose and service air antilock braking systems (ABS)
Explain the operating principles of HVAC control systems
Diagnose and service air conditioning systems
Diagnose and repair truck electrical circuits

For a full list of core competences listed by Trades Alberta, please visit the apprenticeship curriculum guide.

Adhere to environmental protection legislation
Process and track incoming material
Implement merchandising strategies
Material identification and calculations
Describe sales techniques
Identify and apply effective communication

Explain the operating principles of two- and four-stroke internal combustion engines
Describe the characteristics of engine coolant and cooling systems
Describe various fuels, their supply systems and identify common replacement parts
Describe power train operations and related systems
Explain hydraulic principles, steering, suspension and air brakes
Describe tillage, seeding, spraying and spreading equipment

Explain the basic concepts of inventory and classifications
Manage inventory and evaluate inventory strategies
Explain the purchasing process
Exhibit pricing mathematical skills
Design a storage facility, parts outlet and warehouse
Describe financial measurements and assessment tools
Describe human resource management

For a full list of core competences listed by Trades Alberta, please visit the apprenticeship curriculum guide.

Construct welded and flanged piping system components
Construct threaded and grooved piping system components
Use oxy-fuel and arc welding equipment
Braze and solder metal alloys
Apply sketching and drawing concepts
Develop single line pipe drawings
Perform calculations involving perimeter, areas, percentage and grade
Perform electrical calculations

Apply scientific fundamentals relating to temperature and heat transfer processes
Perform latent and sensible heat calculations
Install and maintain hydronic heating systems
Install and maintain circulators and pumps
Use fibre and wire rope for rigging
Use slings and hoisting equipment
Install and maintain fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) piping
Fabricate a piping system
Apply knowledge related to the properties of gas

Install and maintain low pressure steam boilers and systems
Install and maintain boiler piping and trim
Install and maintain control systems
Use emerging technologies on commercial and industrial sites
Use SMAW and GMAW equipment
Use equipment for lifting and moving loads
Hoist equipment and materials using cranes
Apply process diagrams from schematic to isometrics

Install and maintain condensing and non-condensing steam systems
Identify the operation of HVACR systems
Install and maintain fuel systems
Plan for a new construction project
Facilitate commissioning, turnover and start-up procedures
Fabricate a rolling offset
Interpret a revised drawing package

For a full list of core competences listed by Trades Alberta, please visit the apprenticeship curriculum guide.

Assemble oxyfuel equipment
Perform oxyfuel cutting
Describe electrical concepts
Identify distortion and methods of control
Perform fillet and groove welds on mild steel
Perform FCAW and MCAW operations in multiple positions
Solve problems involving geometric formulas

Perform SMAW fillet welds on mild steel
Identify carbon steels, alloy steels and alloy steel filler metals
Perform GTAW on mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel
Describe layout procedures
Prepare and conduct an estimate for a project
Perform SMAW groove welds on mild steel

Identify nickel alloys and clad steels and their welding procedures
Perform SMAW and oxyfuel cutting procedures on mild steel
Perform SMAW in the 2G-5G and 5G positions
Perform GTAW in the 1G, 2G, 3G, 5G and 6G positions on mild steel
Interpret structural drawings
Interpret pressure vessel drawings
Identify the types and uses of non-destructive and destructive testing methods
Identify welding codes, standards and specifications

For a full list of core competences listed by Trades Alberta, please visit the apprenticeship curriculum guide.

Experiences

The Trades Centre provides a home for 7 different apprenticeship trades on Lakeland College's Vermilion campus.

Take a look at the classroom and labs through panorama tours and photos. You can watch full screen. Use all the controls to see all of the tours and photos as well as the floor plans.

Our faculty support you in the classroom, in the lab and to take your skills to another level. In the last six years, Lakeland students have won 17 Skills Alberta medals. They've added 4 Skills Canada medals since 2021.

You may get your Skills start at a regional high school competition. Lakeland hosts one of the regional competitions every spring.

silver medalist works on project during Alberta Skills

Taking skills to competition

Successes

James holding the Alberta flag after winning gold

Lakeland apprentice wins national gold for Team Alberta

Logan Peters during the competition

Lakeland apprentices medal at Skills Canada

Dave King receiving his award

Lakeland dean inducted into Alberta Trades Hall of Fame