Pathway ​options to get ​into the trades

Next steps ​depending on ​your gr​ade

Options if ​you’re ​graduating ​soon

Work

High School

Pre-​Apprenticeship

College

University

Apprenticeship

Work + School

Certified ​Trades ​Person

Your next steps:

• Try new activities! CTF programs, creative ​projects, clubs and STEAM offer great ​opportunities to develop skills and ​awareness​.
  
• Compete in your regional junior Ski​ll Competition in an area of interest​.
• Learn about the tech courses a​nd career/experiential programs offered at ​your loca​l high school.
• Use digital portfolios to docu​ment your skill development through in sc​hool and out of scho​ol experiences
  

Consider:

What types of skilled trades ​are in demand in your area, ​and why might they be ​good career choices?

Your next steps:

• Use the High School Planner to learn about ​courses available at your school
  
• Add tech courses, internships and CT​S programmin​g to your high school plan
• Explore C​TS Apprenticeship Pathways ava​ilable through your school
• Research the va​riety of​ skilled trades in Alberta
  
• Attend Skilled Trade​s fairs and S​kills Alberta Competitions
• Network with sk​illed trades employers and sponsorin​g trade unio​ns to learn how they hire apprenti​ces
• Explore trades occupations in the myB​lueprint occupation​ database to learn more about careers

Your next steps:

• Continue to take tech courses, and enroll in CTS ​or Dual Credit programs if available at your ​school
  
• Apply to the Registered Apprenticeship Program ​through the Apprenticeship and Industry ​Training
  
• Connect with your school and CAREERS Next ​Gen to seek an internship​ employer
• Research the potential of ma​th and science courses required for admiss​ion to trades programs (explore colleges, pre-a​pprenticeship programs and ​trades associations).
  
• Get your Class 5-GDL ​License ​as soon as you turn 16
  

Your next steps:

• Participate in an internship or become a ​Registered Apprentice
  
• Make a good impression with your employer ​and ask:
  
• 1. If they are willing to sign an agreement​ with you so you can begin your​ apprenticeship while in high school.​
  
• 2. For a reference letter ​
  
• Complete your graduated driver’s license steps​
  
• After graduation, apply your hours and​ experience to a new employment opportunity​
  

Your next steps:

• Build skills through:
  
• Foundation training or pre-apprenticeship ​courses
  
• Private training programs (available through ​trades unions and associations)
  
• Seek employment in a skilled-trade ​area/industry
  

Your next steps:

• Submit a Prior Learning Assessment CTS Application for your trade of interest and set up your My Tradesecrets Account
  
• Head to work
  
• Use your skills and certifications to seek employment in the trades.
  
• Come prepared with resume, cover letter and portfolio of experience and certifications
  
• Visit CAREERS: The Next Generation to help connect with an employer
  
• Ask your employer for support in sponsorship as a registered apprentice
  

Your next steps:

• Continue working with the same employer if ​possible to complete an accumulation of hours ​and training.
  
• Or seek a new employer and/or sponsor to ​continue your trades training
• Complete the classroom portion of trades training
• Sign up for the Alberta Youth Skills Network to ​receive helpful resources
  

For more resources including:

• Resume, cover letter and ​budget tools
  
• Job search
• Occupation and post-​secondary databases

Visit: myblueprint.ca