Alberta Apprenticeship
Becoming a bricklayer in Alberta requires the completion of a 3 year Apprenticeship Program. This program is a combination of on-the-job training and three 8 week technical training sessions that consist of shop training, masonry theory, math and blue print reading. There are teaching facilities in Edmonton and Calgary, and the instructors hold valid Alberta Masonry Journeyman Certificates.
Potential apprentices need an employer to supervise and provide their on-the-job training. To facilitate this, the employer and apprentice sign a three year Alberta Apprenticeship contract.
At Scorpio Masonry we have potential apprentices work as labourers for 3-6 months to give them the opportunity to experience exactly what is expected from a bricklayer. We then get feedback from the individual and their foreman and discuss the best way to proceed.
If the candidate is successful, they must then complete the Alberta Apprenticeship Application and Contract to be signed by both the apprentice and the employer and submitted to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (forms are available through our office). Applicants must satisfy the trade entrance requirements; this includes either a high school diploma, entry as a mature learner, or passing the entrance exam. Once the application is accepted, a blue book (to record hours and performance) and class registration form are sent out. To register for a session, this form must be sent in with the registration fee. We submit the registrations for the apprentices to attend technical training.
We enter into an additional Apprenticeship Agreement with the apprentice. If they remain employed with us throughout the 3 year apprenticeship program and for 1 full year after the successful completion of the program, we will reimburse to that employee the tuition fees for 3 sessions of technical training.
Guide to becoming a Bricklayer with Scorpio Masonry:
- Work as a labourer for 3-6 months to gain an understanding of the trade
- Satisfy the trade entrance requirements
- Become a registered apprentice in the province of Alberta by completing the Apprenticeship Application and Contract submitted to Alberta AIT
- Sign a 3 year Apprenticeship Agreement with Scorpio Masonry
- Attend 3 session of technical training spread over a 3 year period (1 session/year)
- Complete 1600 hours of on-the-job experience during each period
- Successfully complete your exams to become a Certified Journeyman Bricklayer.
To view a flowchart from Trade Secrets that outlines the apprenticeship route, please click here.
For more information please visit the following websites:
Alberta Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships
Apprentice and Occupational Trainee Scholarship
Apprenticeship Grants
The Government of Canada provides Apprenticeship grants up to $4,000 to apprentices registered in designated Red Seal trades. Bricklaying is a Red Seal trade.
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is available to registered apprentices once they have completed their first and/or second year of training.
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is available to registered apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship program and have received their journeyperson certification.
Tax Cuts
The Government of Canada offers the Tradesperson's Tools Deduction that allows employed tradepeople to deduct the cost of eligible tools from their income. Eligible tools include those purchased for use in your job as a tradeperson and that your employer certified as being necessary for you to provide and use in your job.
Alberta Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
If you’re in high school, there is a program that can help you to gain valuable work experience through a trade internship while still in school.
Scorpio Masonry participates in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) through CAREERS. This program matches students with potential employers for the opportunity at a trade internship that could continue as an apprenticeship. Through this program a student can gain credits towards apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
For more information, please visit the CAREERS website, as they pre-screen students based on academic records, attendance, application and attitude prior to suggesting possible matches to an employer. There is also information on the Government of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website. Select the trade ‘Bricklayer’ and look under the heading ‘Apprenticeship Training.’ The third bullet down has a link to more information.
RAP Scholarships
T
he deadline for 2011 applications has been extended until February 24, 2012. Please click here for the application form.
Opportunities for Women in Construction
If you are a woman interested in learning more about working in a trade in Alberta, please visit the Women Building Futures website or find them on Facebook. Women Building Futures is a not for profit organization that help women get into trades through training, mentorship and employment.
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