Pre-employment programs give you the foundation to enter the workforce and become an apprentice. Geared toward students interested in a trade who don't yet have knowledge or training in a field, the program offers all the same course materials as the apprenticeship program, but with additional hands-on skills and safety training. After successfully completing the pre-employment program, you will be eligible to write the first-year apprenticeship exam for your trade.
Learn more about our Pre-Employment Programs
Whether you're at SAIT for pre-apprenticeship training or are immersed in the apprenticeship system, SAIT is renowned for providing high caliber trades education in more than 30 different trades. Classes combine formal classroom instruction with hands-on technical training in our state-of-the-art shops. The SAIT experience will train you to be ready for success by graduation, as you become a qualified journeyperson in your trade.
Our apprentice students experience success largely due to:
- Our industry relationships, allowing opportunities in our pre-apprenticeship programs for job-shadowing, internships, and mentoring programs.
- Class sizes in our apprenticeship and full-time programs vary between 24-30 students in theory classrooms. During the time in our shops, students usually see a 1:13 (two instructors for every 11-15 students). This environment allows you increased time with your instructors to learn valuable knowledge.
- SAIT encourages opportunities for students to participate in competitions like Skills Alberta (trade and technology) and Culinary challenges around the world.
- Our student-first mentality means that mentoring, student support and resources are readily available.