Journey to Trades
Journey to Trades is an introductory trades program that prepares you with the basic hands-on skills, safety certifications and experience to start a career in the construction trades.
Overview
- Program Length
- 17 weeks
- Currently Offered In
-
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Red Deer
Description
Explore the skilled trades with Journey to Trades (J2T). This 12-week or 17-week program combines classroom learning with hands-on skills development, giving participants an opportunity to explore a variety of trades while learning more about careers in the construction industry.
Depending on the program offering, participants may be introduced to:
- electrical
- carpentry
- plumbing
- steamfitter/pipefitter
- millwright
- welding
- general mechanic
- insulation and other trades
Participants will also write the Level B Trades Entrance Exam (formerly Level 5) as part of the program.
Trade exposure is subject to change. Connect with an advisor to learn what trades are planned for the upcoming program.
Courses and Skills
- Basic safety certifications and first aid training
- Hands-on skills training in workshops for various trades
- Workplace culture and financial literacy
-
Practical science and math for the trades
- Interview and resume workshops to support employment
- Ongoing mentorship and support through alumni advisors
Admission Requirements
- Must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Alberta Resident
- Driver licence – GDL accepted
- Ability to pass a drug/alcohol and fitness test (cannabis/THC included, even where legal)
Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Apply anyways! We’d love to learn more about you and help find the right fit.
Applicants will also need to finish a variety of steps as part of their application.
Program Cost
- This program is free. Tuition is fully funded by our partners
- Additional funding and awards may be available to support living expenses while in the program
Employment Opportunities
After finishing the program, graduates will be interviewed for entry-level positions with Women Building Futures’ employment partners.
Our employer partners are committed to safe, inclusive workplace cultures and to supporting our graduates’ career progression, which they show by signing on as a WBF Employer of Choice.
Upcoming Cohorts
-
March 1, 2027 - June 28, 2027
- Location
- Calgary
- Application deadline
- December 20, 2026
This is a 17-week introductory construction trades program that will prepare you to begin an entry-level career in the industry.
-
January 11, 2027 - April 2, 2027
- Location
- Edmonton
- Application deadline
- November 16, 2026
This is a 17-week introductory construction trades program that will prepare you to begin an entry-level career in the industry.
Don't see a program open in your city?
Sign up for the Construction Trades email list for your province to be the first to be notified when the Journey to Trades program opens for applications in your region.
Attend an Information Session
- Learn about Journey to Trades
- Ask your questions
- Meet our team
- See if a career in the trades is right for you