College GalleryPre-Employment Trades - High Prairie
In today’s economy, training is critical. However, training can be expensive. Pre-Employment Trades programming teaches the theory portion of trades training in advance of obtaining the hands-on experience with an employer. In the trades, a candidate is normally employed (a.k.a. apprenticed) in advance of attending training.
Pre-employment trades offered at NLC include Carpenter, Electrician, Heavy Equipment Technician (Mechanic), Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), and Welder. Each program covers the entire First Period theory of that trade. In essence, students complete the first year of theory required for a trade without leaving home and without incurring the costs associated with post-secondary education! Northern Lakes College sets up Pre-Employment Trades students to challenge the First Period apprenticeship exam in their chosen trade.
At NLC, we understand our students need the flexibility to balance work and home. Our Pre-Employment programs are flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle:
- Programs range from 12 to 16 weeks
- Apply as a full-time student
Pre-Employment Trades applications should be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the start date.
This program is available to high school students. Talk to your high school counsellor for more information.
Learn more about Dual Credit.
Not sure where to start in your trades’ career? See the Trade Pathways document to help you determine where to begin.
Program Dates
+COMBINED DUAL CREDIT / PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRADES
Pre-Employment Carpenter
Check back for future offerings.
Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician (Mechanic)
September 3, 2024 - December 20, 2024 - High Prairie
Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
February 5, 2024 – April 26, 2024 – High Prairie
February 10, 2025 - June 2, 2025 - High Prairie
Areas of Study
+Pre-Employment Carpenter
- Site Preparation and Building Layout
- Building Materials
- Level One: Estimating and Plans
- Floor Frame
- Foundations
- Hand and Power Tools
- Practical Labs
- Employment Practicum
- Safety
- Industrial Safety Certification
- Workplace Communication
Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician (Mechanic)
Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic
Pre-Employment Welder
- Industrial Safety Certification
- Trade Math
- Wire Processes
- Workplace Communication
- Practical Shop Labs
- Employment Practicum
- Workplace Safety
- Welding Technology and Properties of Metals
Career Potential
+Pre-Employment Carpenter
Most carpenters are employed by general contractors, are self-employed, or do construction or maintenance work for government agencies, utility companies, or manufacturing firms. Employment prospects for carpenters vary considerably depending upon the sector or type of employer. Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $25 to $38 an hour plus benefits. The carpentry trade can be a stepping stone to unlimited possibilities. Carpenters may advance to foreman, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or contractor. They are involved in every phase of construction, and create the base buildings that most trades will follow in the construction cycle. This overall knowledge is an advantage when applying for supervisory positions.
Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician (Mechanic)
Heavy equipment technicians (mechanics) are employed by specialized repair shops and organizations that own or lease heavy equipment used in the construction, mining, forestry, materials handling, landscaping, land clearing, agricultural, and transportation industries. Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $60 an hour plus benefits. Rates vary depending on the region. Experienced journeypersons may advance to supervisory or service manager positions, or become self-employed.
Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic
Journeyperson industrial mechanics (millwrights) find employment in construction, maintenance, machine shops, and stock keeping and sales. They are employed by manufacturing, processing, and construction companies as well as amusement parks and ski hills. Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $45 an hour plus benefits. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are exposed to the duties involved in a variety of other trades, and therefore can be good candidates for promotion to supervisory and superintendent positions.
Pre-Employment Welder
Welders are employed in a variety of industries including vessel or structural steel assembly, pipeline construction, commercial construction, industrial construction, steel fabrication, and heavy equipment repair. Employment prospects for welders change with seasonal and economic climates. Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $25 to $40 an hour plus benefits. Experienced welders may advance to positions such as welding inspector, welding foreman or supervisor, or plant supervisor. Some open their own repair shops, or work as portable rig welders who contract out their services.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Pre-Employment Carpenter
Carpenter Apprenticeship Program: First Period, Second Period, Third Period, and Fourth Period.
Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician (Mechanic)
Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Program: First Period, Second Period, Third Period, and Fourth Period. The term of apprenticeship for a Heavy Equipment Technician is four years. This includes a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training as an apprentice, and eight weeks of technical training each year. This trade participates in two Red Seal Programs: heavy equipment technician - heavy duty equipment mechanic (off-road) and heavy equipment technician - truck and transport mechanic.
Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic
Industrial Mechanic Apprenticeship Program: First Period, Second Period, Third Period, and Fourth Period. Journeyperson industrial mechanics (millwrights) find employment in construction, maintenance, machine shops, and stock keeping and sales. They are employed by manufacturing, processing, and construction companies as well as amusement parks and ski hills. Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $45 an hour plus benefits. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are exposed to the duties involved in a variety of other trades, and therefore can be good candidates for promotion to supervisory and superintendent positions.
Pre-Employment Welder
Welder Apprenticeship Levels include First Period, Second Period, and Third Period. Journeyperson Welders often gain additional expertise. Further education can lead to B-pressure certification, Canadian Welding Bureau Certification, and endorsements for specialty metals and processes.
