Apprenticeship Training
An apprenticeship is a four year program leading to a Journeyman Certificate. As an apprentice you work in a machine shop to gain practical experience, and then attend a technical school such as NAIT to acquire the theoretical and technical training you need to be successful. Currently, apprentices spend two months of each year at NAIT in a block release format; while the rest of the time is spend on the job.
For the 2011/12 school year, NAIT will continue to offer block release sessions but have added a pilot program called Blended Learning. Blended Learning is a new approach to apprenticeship training and will begin January 03, 2012 as an alternative/option to block release for apprentices in Period 1. The Blended Learning Program offers the same training as block release, but provides the apprentice an opportunity to learn portions of the theory component while off campus in an on-line environment. This delivery method reduces by approximately half, the amount of time the apprentice is required to spend at NAIT.
For the exact dates of both block release and the blended learning pilot please go to
http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca/index.html?page=ttschedules/default.asp
An apprenticeship is the best route into the machining trade. Not only does it offer you the best chance to learn the skills you need, but you earn money for the time you work in industry.
Fees & class schedules
For the latest class schedules & tuition information, please visit http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca
- select Trades & Occupations
- select your trade from the list
- refer to the Apprenticeship Training section
- scroll down to Technical Training Locations & Schedule link;
This link will provide you with the most current information on when the next class is offered and what the tuition fees are.
Method of payment
Fees may be paid by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cash, Debit Card, Cheque, or by Purchase Order.
Refund policy
Total fees are due & payable at the time of enrollment. In all cases a minimum fee of $100 will be withheld should you cancel your enrollment prior to the first day of class. After classes start there will be no refund of fees.
Confirmation - notice of acceptence
A formal notice of acceptance will be mailed to the student and the employer within ten days of enrollment acceptance.
Other information
Blended Learning for the
Machinist Apprenticeship Program
What is this?
The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program is a new approach to apprenticeship training at NAIT. This program is an alternative to the 8 week block release program which has traditionally been offered at NAIT. The Blended Learning Program offers the same training as block release, but provides the apprentice an opportunity to learn portions of the theory component while off campus.
Presently, the Blended Learning Program is scheduled as a pilot project. There is an assumption that this form of program delivery offers benefits to students and will become an attractive alternative for some. As a result, it is anticipated that this program will continue in subsequent years. The program is being phased in over the next few years and will be made available to students in Periods 1 to 4.
Benefits of the Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program include:
ü Less time spent away from work and family.
ü Less money spent of accommodations, parking etc.
ü The opportunity to set your own pace of learning when at home.
ü Ability to be in contact with an instructor throughout the program.
ü A variety of teaching and learning strategies available to the student.
Who can participate?
The applying student must be an indentured apprentice employed in the machinist trade. An official apprenticeship registration number as issued by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training is required. A decision for acceptance into this program will be made by NAIT personnel after discussions with applicants.
When is the program offered?
The initial offering for Period 1 apprentices is set for January 3rd of 2012. The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program for students in Period 2 will be offered in September, 2012.
How long is this program?
The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program is scheduled to take the apprentice 16 weeks to complete. Although the time at NAIT is structured, the web-based learning can be completed at the student’s convenience.
What is the fee for this program?
The Blended Learning for the Machinist Apprentice Program will have the same fee structure as the block release programs.
How do instructors support student learning?
Instructors will be available to support students during the time they are engaged in the web-based learning. The instructor will provide students with office hours when they can be reached. Email contact will be available if and when questions come up.
What kind of hardware and software are required? Where can it be obtained if desired?
Windows XP or higher
Mac OS 10.4 or later
Intel dual core 2.0GHz (equivalent or higher)
Speakers and microphone
MS Office suite (2004 or later) (or equivalent)
High speed internet
How does an apprentice obtain the ILMs and other resources required for this delivery method of technical training?
Individual Learning Modules and most other resources, such as the recommended calculator, will be available at NAIT’s Bookstore.
What happens when the apprentice is unable to complete the theory portion prior to the practical portion?
The student will continue with the practical portion of the course. Completion of the program is based upon successfully meeting the outcomes set forth by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). Failure to do so will result in a Special Report being forwarded to AIT.
What does the apprentice need to start the course?
The apprentice must register and be accepted. The apprentice must have the appropriate technology available for home study. When arriving at NAIT, the apprentice must have appropriate work boots, safety glasses and their Letter of Registration.
When and where does the apprentice complete final examinations?
All final examinations will be completed at the conclusion of the second, two-week block of time spent at NAIT. These exams will be written approximately 16 weeks after beginning the program. These exams will be written at NAIT.
What is the attendance policy for the apprentice during the e-Learning and face-to-face portions of their training?
ü The apprentice is expected to complete all web-based modules in the time frame provided. The information within them is crucial for success during the face-to-face component of the program.
ü It is anticipated that the time allotted for web-based learning is sufficient for each student to successfully complete the work assigned.
ü The expectation on the student will be for approximately 10 -12 hours of work per week during the distance component of the program.
ü AIT standards will apply if students miss more than 2 days of face-to-face instruction.
What if the apprentice has technical difficulties when accessing their course?
Contact the ISD Help Desk at (780) 471-8624.
Hours of operation:
ü Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ü Weekends: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.)
What other resources and services does the apprentice have when completing a distance course at NAIT?
An apprentice registered in the Blended Learning Program has the same rights and privileges as the apprentice registered in an 8 week block release program, including access to NAIT’s Library and its recreational facilities.
How will the modules be assessed and when?
ü Each module will conclude with a compulsory assignment. Marks generated from these assignments will count toward the student’s final grade.
ü Upon returning to NAIT for each face-to-face session, the student will be given an assessment covering the material which they were responsible for during the previous block of web-based learning.
ü At the end of the program a cumulative assessment of all non-shop learning will also take place.
Is it possible to transfer to the 8 week block release if I want to?
Transfers to or from the 8 week block release, during the course of this program, will not be possible. Students may choose an alternate delivery model for another Period, or to redo the same Period, but should expect to do so from the beginning of an offering.
Contact Information
Terry Knutson
Project Manager
Blended Learning Program - Machinist
Phone # (780) 491-3068
Email: terryk@nait.ca
Department of Teaching and Academic Development
Skills Learned
The goal of the Machinist Program at NAIT is to provide you with all skills you need to work as a Journeyman in Alberta. Upon completion of the program you should be able to complete any task and meet any challenge that you might come across in a machine shop.
The first year of training is all about basics. You learn how to operate a lathe, a drill press, a bench grinder, and a power cut-off saw, and develop hand skills such as filing, measurement, and layout. Theory class covers trade terminology, standards, screw threads, lubrication, coolant, rigging, math, and blueprint reading.
The focus in the second year shifts to milling machines. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are introduced, and screw threads and lathe work are explained in more detail. You build upon the math and blueprint reading skills learned in year one.
Grinding and gearing are the main topics in year three, although boring mills, jig boring and grinding, broaching, and jigs and fixtures are covered as well. You are given extensive training in the operation of a CNC lathe. In math you learn trigonometry and math techniques needed for CNC programming.
The fourth year training completes your apprenticeship. You learn advanced milling and gearing, machine tool maintenance, basic hydraulics, advanced processes, and metrology. A great deal of time is devoted to perfecting your CNC programming and set-up skills, with special emphasis on CNC milling machines.
Ask NAIT - Get answers to your questions online.
Phone: 780.471.6248
Toll free: 1.877.333.6248