Accelerated Trades Entry Program

Build your career in the trades

Are you a newcomer to Canada who is interested in a career in the trades?

The Accelerated Trade Entry (ATE) Program was created to support newcomers to Canada interested in apprenticeship training while reducing the cultural, financial and language barriers.

NAIT and the Government of Alberta have partnered together to create this program. The Government of Alberta is supporting each student by sponsoring $900 CAD in tuition fees for the courses included in the program.

To qualify for the program, you must have one of the following Immigration statuses: 

  • Permanent residency 

  • Refugee with a confirmation letter 

  • Ukrainian Citizens Living as Temporary Residents in Canada with CUAET Visa 

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit

  • CLB level 4 or higher

We have provided a free assessment that tests reading comprehension, math and applied math. This assessment is a tool for you to see where you are at and will help determine the courses in the ATE Program to choose.

Take the assessment

What happens once you take the assessment?

After you complete the assessment, please email Tehya Rice at tehyar@nait.ca and she will provide you with the next steps in the process.

ATE Pathway Graphic
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Depending on the results of your assessment, you may be encouraged to complete some trade-specific upskilling courses such as:

Take the assessment

Apprenticeship Training

Use this checklist to guide your apprenticeship application process.   Find out more

These courses aim to help you build a strong pre-trades foundation before registering for the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Exam. 

Take the assessment

Pre-Apprenticeship Courses

Need a little help becoming an apprentice? Our Pre-Apprenticeship courses can give you the trade-specific upskilling you need to get to the next step.   Find out more

Depending on the results of your assessment, you may be encouraged to complete our ESP Program to upgrade your reading comprehension and applied math skills before taking on more trade-specific courses such as trades safety, technical drawing, small tools and trades math. These courses aim to help you build a strong pre-trades foundation before registering for the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Exam. 

Take the assessment

TRDE170 - English for a Specific Purpose

English for a Specific Purpose is an intensive language course designed for non-native English speakers who are seeking to enter the Trades industry.

ESL students

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply/register?

Before you apply, you must:  

1. Be one or more of the following:

  • Interested in a career in trades 
  • A permanent resident of Canada  
  • A refugee with a confirmation letter 
  • A Ukrainian citizen living as temporary resident in Canada with a CUAET visa; or
  • A Post-Graduation Work Permit holder
  1. Have an English language proficiency test result with proof:

  1. Have a NAIT ID 

If you are new to NAIT, we recommend creating a NAIT account on the MyNAIT portal. When you are asked for a NAIT ID number, leave the space blank if you have not attended or applied to NAIT before, and our system will generate a new Student ID for you.  

  1. Complete the Accelerated Trades Entry Assessment 

Take the ATE (TRDE100) assessment to determine the pathway into trades that is right for you 

How much does it cost?

The online assessment is free. 

What happens after I take the assessment?

Once you complete the assessment, please contact the Program Outreach Coordinator at tehyar@nait.ca

What are my funding and payment options?

Following the review of your assessment results, if you register in a course you'll be offered a tuition supplement of $900.

Who do I contact for help?

Where can I learn more about Trades Apprenticeship programs?

Find out more information about Apprenticeship program at NAIT.

How do I know which apprenticeship program is best for me?

Check out the list of Apprenticeship courses at NAIT 

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