NORTHERN LAKES COLLEGE
Northern Lakes College to offer Pre-Employment Pipe Trades

Northern Lakes College will be offering Pre-Employment Pipe Trades, with the first offering scheduled to start September 3 in Wabasca. This program will prepare learners for employment in a pipe trades apprenticeship. This brings the College's pre-employment trades offerings to six, including Carpenter, Electrician, Heavy Equipment Technician (Mechanic), Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), and Welder. Northern Lakes College also offers Carpenter, Electrician, and Welder Apprenticeship education.

This 16-week Pre-Employment Pipe Trades program prepares learners for entry to a pipe trades apprenticeship as a Gasfitter, Plumber, Sprinkler Systems Installer, or Steamfitter-Pipefitter. The first period training is common for all pipe trades, which prepares students for entry into any of the four apprenticeships. 

Pre-employment programs are for those individuals interested in a trade, but who are not registered as an apprentice. Learners will be provided the skill set needed to enter the workforce and become a registered apprentice. The programs include first year apprenticeship theory, safety tickets, and hands-on training. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to challenge the Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) First Period Exam.

Providing opportunities in the trades is important to support the Alberta economy. Pre-employment offerings provide those without an apprenticeship placement the opportunity to pursue a trade. Additionally, they allow aspiring tradespeople to gain trade skills, communication abilities, and safety certifications. Pre-Employment Pipe Trades is a great addition to our trade's offerings as it opens the door to not one, but four, possible apprenticeship routes.

Brad Onofrychuk, Vice President, Academic, Northern Lakes College

For more information or to apply to Pre-Employment Pipe Trades at Northern Lakes College, see https://www.northernlakescollege.ca/programs-courses/pre-employment-trades.