Be ready to wire up a future in the trades.
Our Pre-Electrician certificate program is designed for people who aren’t yet employed in the trades. You’ll learn foundational skills, safety practices, use of tools and electrical theory and circuitry, and leave with a credential that shows future employers that you’re ready to apprentice.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Pre-Electrician at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
In our Pre-Electrician certificate, you’ll spend 15 weeks learning the first year of Electrician apprenticeship curriculum. Our certificate program will prepare you to write the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship exam. Employers are often reluctant to hire apprentices who don’t have any experience with the work. This program is a way to demonstrate that you have the basic skills and commitment to join their team and get started in a career that will always be in demand.
15
Number of weeks to go from no experience to writing the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship exam
$81,919
the average annual wage of an electrician in Alberta
69%
of employers who hire electricians have recruited in the last two years
Career Opportunities
When you finish your apprenticeship, you'll be prepared for such positions as:
- Business owner
- Electrical inspector
- Estimator
- Journeyman electrician
- Supervisor
1st
the pre-employment programs provide the first year of the Alberta Apprenticeship curriculum
2 weeks
the length of your work-integrated learning placement
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and February
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
15 weeks
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, pass Apprenticeship Entrance Exam, or pass mark in all five Canadian General Education Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 20-1 or 20-2 or equivalent
- Math 20-1, 20-2 or 20-3 or equivalent
- Science 10 or 14 or equivalent
- OR pass the Apprenticeship Entrance Exam
- OR pass all 5 GED/CAEC tests
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Non-Academic Requirements
- The ability to lift heavy objects weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
- Good physical coordination and manual dexterity
- Mechanical ability
- Good hearing and colour vision
- The ability to work as a member of a team and adapt to changing tasks and locations
- Responsibility to do all work tasks expected of a journeyperson
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Pre-Electrician certificate.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| ELT-1100 | Standard & Specific Workplace Safety | 3 |
| ELT-1101 | Circuit Fundamentals & EMF Sources | 6 |
| ELT-1102 | Lab Fundamentals | 6 |
| ELT-1103 | Electrical Code Part 1 and Drawings | 3 |
| ELT-1104 | Practicum Placement | 1.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 19.5 | |
Upon successful completion of The Pre-Electrician program, you will:
- be prepared to complete the First Period Prior Learning Assessment exam.
- be prepared to be employed within the electrical industry in Alberta.
- have learned valuable employability skills including cover letter and resume writing, and interview skills.
View course timetables
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,630.00
|
$1,533.00
|
$900.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Pre-Electrician Certificate program is delivered on campus through an apprenticeship-style training but may have some blended and hyflex components.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.
Hyflex
This program is offered both on-campus and online; lectures and hands-on training opportunities are delivered through video conference, allowing students the option to attend classes in-person or remotely.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Featured Graduates
Carlos Carabantes
“That’s the thing – even though I got my ticket here, as a journeyman electrician, you never really stop learning. You can be a 20-year or 50-year journeyman and still learning new things. It can be daunting but it also makes it exciting. It’s definitely a rewarding trade.”