Cement Masons/Cement Finisher – FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Any questions around apprenticeship training, contact:
Doug Harbak
Trades Certification Officer
Advanced Education and Technology
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel 780-422-6939
Email: doug.harbak@gov.ab.ca
www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

 

Question 1: I’m a 3rd year, have 5000 hours and would like to challenge the journeyman test.

Journeymen must :

• Have 5500 hours of work experience
• Be recognized by an employer as a journeyman,
• Paid journeyman rate
• The company must attach a letter that states that you worked at a competent journeyman level

For more info see: www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca/forms_publications/forms/pdf/qual_work_exp_guide.pdf

 

Question 2: What does it cost to challenge the exam?

Cost $450.00 to challenge.
See application below: www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca/forms_publications/forms/pdf/qual_work_exp_guide.pdf

 

Question 3: How many years would I have to go to school ?

The term of apprenticeship is 3 years.
Year 1  =    4 weeks technical training + minimum 1200 hours on-the-job  training
Year 2  =    4 weeks technical training + minimum 1200 hours on-the-job training 
                    +  you write the Inter-provincial and Red Seal Certification exams. 
Year 3  =    You must work an additional 1200 hours of on-the-job field experience.  
                    Assuming you have PASSED your exams, you submit your additional hours to the government. 
                    Once approved, then you get your journey certifications.

For more information,

1. Go to http://tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca/index.html?page=trades_occupations.asp
2. Scroll down the page to the section "Apprenticeship Training"
   
   
   

Question 4: Where can I get apprenticeship training?

Locations vary from year to year.

1. Choose an available class
   • Go to http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca/index.html?page=ttschedules/default.asp
2. Under the headings, click Concrete Finisher,

3. Click the year you want training.
   The system will display where/when classes are available

 

Question 5: Would I get paid unemployment (EI) if I take apprenticeship training? Is there financial assistance to attend apprenticeship training?

Yes, most apprentices qualify for Employment Insurance while taking their technical training. They also can apply for grants and scholarships

1. www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca/index.html?page=trades_occupations.asp
2. In the left column, click Financial Assistance.

Also Check out:

1. www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca/index.html?page=trades_occupations.asp
2. In the left column, click Scholarships and Awards.

Question 6: What is an apprentice responsible for?

Once the apprentice is registered, she or he is responsible for:

• actively participating in, and completing the required on-the-job training and work experience
• attending and successfully completing the required technical training
• passing all required examinations
• carrying, and producing on request, an apprentice ID card
• ensuring that her or his Record Book is completed

Question 7:    How to become an apprentice in Saskatchewan, if the "Concrete Finisher" is no longer a recognized trade in Sask?  Can you point me in the right direction?

1. You first need to register through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship board to become a Concrete Finisher in Alberta. 
2. Different zones and districts have different codes, therefore you need to get the applicable code through Saskatchewan Apprenticeship board. 
3. They will monitor your Blue book and hours.  Schooling/training will then be done in Alberta.
4. For further information, contact Doug Harbak  (see above) to get the applicable contacts in Saskatchewan.
   
   
   
   

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