Journey to Trades

Journey to Trades is an introductory construction trades program that prepares you with the basic hands-on skills, safety certifications and experience to start a career in the construction trades.

Important update: Applications for Journey to Trades Edmonton will re-open in January 2025. Stay connected on socials or subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when applications open.

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A woman wearing a PPE (hard hat and safety glasses) working with tools

Overview

Program Length
12 weeks, 17 weeks
Currently Offered In
  • Calgary
  • Edmonton
  • Fort McMurray
  • Regina

Description

Journey to Trades (formerly Journeywoman Start) is a hands-on training program that introduces students to a variety of different construction trades, such as: 

  • welding 
  • carpentry 
  • electrical 
  • plumbing 
  • millwright  
  • steamfitter/pipefitter 

The program is designed to help students prepare for and succeed as an entry–level construction trades apprentice. 

The specific trades covered in each cohort may vary.

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

What you need to apply:  

  • Must be a resident of the province of the program applied to 
  • A class 5 driver’s licence (recommended)

Applicants will also need to finish a variety of steps as part of their application.

Learn more about our application process here

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 WBF 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

Sign up for program updates and you’ll be the first to find out when this program is accepting applications again.

Sign up for program updates here

Register for an Information Session

A woman wearing a PPE (hard hat and safety glasses) working with tools

Virtual: Nov. 27 (Edmonton) 

Virtual: Jan. 8 (Edmonton) 

Register Now

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.

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Graduate Success Stories