Trades Entrance Requirements

Each designated trade in the NWT has specific educational requirements that prospective apprentices must meet before signing an apprenticeship contract. 

There are four options under the Trades Entrance Requirements:

  1. Passing the trades entrance exam with a mark of 70% or higher; 
  2. Meeting the Secondary School course requirements;
  3. Passing all five of the High School Equivalency Credentials (General Education Diploma or Canadian Adult Education Credential); or
  4. Holding a Northwest Territories Secondary School Graduation Diploma.
Category A (Exam #2)
Trades: Baker, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter, Cook, Mobile Crane Operator, Floorcovering Installer, Glazier, Hairstylist, Housing Maintainer, Insulator – (Heat and Frost), Locksmith, Painter and Decorator, Parts Technician - Materials Technician, Parts Technician - Parts Technician, Roofer, Welder.

Alberta Course Requirements

British Columbia Course Requirements
Option 1: Entrance Exam – Pass Exam 2 with a score of 70% or higher

Option 1: Entrance Exam – Pass Exam 2 with a score of 70% or higher

Option 2: Completion of the following high school courses:

  • English 10-2 (pass) or Literacy 20 (65% or higher)
  • Math 10C (pass) or Math 10-3 (65% or higher)
  •  Science 10 (pass)

 

Option 2: Completion of the following high school courses:

  • English 10 (pass)
  • Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus (pass)
  • Workplace Mathematics 10 (65%or higher)

Option 3: Pass all five General Education Diploma or Canadian Adult Education Credential tests.
Option 4: High School Diploma
Category B (Exam #5)
Trades: Appliance Service Technician, Automotive Service Technician, Communication Technician, Construction Electrician, Gasfitter – Class A, Gasfitter – Class B, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician – Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off Road), Heavy Equipment Technician – Truck and Transport Mechanic, Industrial Electrician, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Instrumentation and Control Technician, Oil Heat System Technician, Plumber, Power System Electrician, Powerline Technician, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, Sprinkler Fitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter
Alberta Course Requirements British Columbia Course Requirements
Option 1: Entrance Exam – Pass Exam 5 with a score of 70% or higher

Option 1: Entrance Exam – Pass Exam 5 with a score of 70% or higher

Option 2: Completion of the following high school courses:

  • English 20-2 (pass) or Literacy 30 (pass)
  • Math 10C (pass)
  • Science 10 (pass)

Option 2: Completion of the following high school courses:

  • English 11 (pass)
  • Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 (pass)
  • Science 10 (pass)

Option 3: Pass all five General Education Diploma or Canadian Adult Education Credential tests.
Option 4: High School Diploma
Category C (Exam #3)
Trades: Auto Body and Collision Technician, Auto Body Technician – Auto Body Prepper, Automotive Refinishing Technician, Machinist, Outdoor Power Equipment Technician – Power Technician, Outdoor Power Equipment Technician – Recreational Equipment
Alberta Course Requirements British Columbia Course Requirements

Option 1: Entrance Exam – Pass Exam 3 with a score of 70% or higher

Option 1: Entrance Exam – Pass Exam 3 with a score of 70% or higher

Option 2: Completion of the following high school courses

  • English 10-2 (pass) or Literacy 20 (65% or higher)
  • Math 10C (pass) or Math 10-3 (65% or higher)
  • Science 10 (pass)

Option 2: Completion of the following high school courses;

  • English 10 (pass)
  • Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus (pass)
  • Workplace Mathematics 10 (65%or higher)

Option 3: Pass all five General Education Diploma or Canadian Adult Education Credential tests.
Option 4: High School Diploma