ECSD Trades Careers Semester Program: 2025-2026 - Semester 2
Edmonton Catholic Schools and The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) are excited to offer ECSD high school students the opportunity to participate in the TEPF Trades Careers Semester Program!
This program will provide students with hands-on learning experiences in trades industry settings, with a focus on practical applications and safety awareness.
Students will participate in one of the following options:
Trade | Availability | |
Option 1: | Carpentry **FULL** | waitlist spots available |
Option 2: | Finishing Trades | morning spots still available |
Option 3: | Ironworker **FULL** | waitlist spots available |
Option 4: | Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) **FULL** | waitlist spots available |
Option 5: | Electrical **FULL** | waitlist spots available |
Option 6: | Pipe Trades **FULL** | waitlist spots available |
Option 7: | Bricklayer | morning and afternoon spots still available |
Option 8: | Insulator Heat & Frost **FULL** | waitlist spots available |
For programs that are currently full, you can still put your name down on a waitlist.
Spots are still available for Finishing Trades and Bricklayer.
Each of these options is offered in a half-day format.
The program coordinators will let students know whether they will be attending the Trades Careers program in the mornings (8:30 AM - 11:30 AM) or in the afternoons (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM).
Students may take classes at their community high schools for the other half of the school day.
There is no cost to participate in this program!
Students are required to arrange transportation to and from the training centres. Students are also required to obtain CSA-approved steel-toed boots. A 15% off coupon code to Mark’s will be provided to students who are accepted into the TEPF program.
For information or assistance, please email AETrades@ecsd.net
Applying to the Trades Careers Semester Program
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so submit your application as soon as you can!
Program Benefits
Students will:
- earn high school Work Experience* credits
- earn industry safety credentials, such as First Aid, Fall Protection, and Aerial Work Platform
- obtain hands-on industry training
- get a head start on a career pathway while still in high school
- learn from experienced journeyperson instructors
- learn about potential training and employment opportunities
- gain theoretical and practical applications of safety awareness and workplace competencies
Students may also obtain summer job placements and/or start apprenticeships after successful completion of the TEPF Semester Program.
*The TEPF Semester Program is an unpaid, experiential learning opportunity for students.
Program Dates & Times:
Students enrolled in the TEPF Semester Program will report to the training centres as per the dates below:
- Start date: Monday, February 2, 2026
- End date: Friday, June 5, 2026
There will be no TEPF Semester Trades classes on the following dates:
- February 16, 2026
- March 30 - April 6, 2026
- May 18, 2026
The program runs five days per week (Monday – Friday).
- Morning session: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Afternoon session: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The program coordinators will let students know whether they will be attending the Trades Careers program in the mornings (8:30 AM - 11:30 AM) or in the afternoons (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM).
Students may take classes at their community high schools for the other half of the school day.
Student Eligibility
Priority to participate in the TEPF semester program will be given to Grade 12, 4th, and 5th year students. Grade 11 students may also apply
Students must:
- be minimum 16 years of age
- have a strong interest in exploring a pathway in the trades
- be mature, punctual, and reliable
- commit to the duration of the program
- be excited about taking industry training
- have completed the following prerequisite courses before October 11, 2025: HCS 3000 and CSTS 2020
Course Descriptions
Option 1: Carpentry
Carpentry
Are you the hands-on type who enjoys bringing ideas to life through building and creating? If so, this course might be a great fit for you. Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and Alberta Carpenters Training Centre, students can participate in a free program to explore this unique introduction to the Carpentry trade. Through hands-on training in real industry settings, students will not just gain foundational skills, safety practices, and knowledge, but also pave their way to becoming successful apprentices in Carpentry or Scaffolding.
*Students in this program must be able to lift 50lbs (22.68kg).
Students will learn:
- how to measure, cut, and assemble wood with accuracy and finesse
- how to recognize and use essential tools like saws, hammers, and drills
- the intricacies of framing, finishing, and detailing
- the critical role that scaffolds play in providing safe and efficient access to elevated work areas
- safety regulations
- proper scaffolding assembly techniques
Location:
Alberta Carpenters Training Centre: 15210 123 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5V 0A3
Option 2: Finishing Trades
Finishing Trades
Do you like to bring a touch of creativity to the finishing touches of projects? This course may be perfect for you. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 17, students can participate in a free program to explore the diverse aspects of the skilled trades. This program provides training in the highly-demanded trades of painter, decorator, glazier, and floor covering installer, offering an opportunity to develop valuable skills and contribute to the construction industry. Whether it's beautifying a surface or creating a protective coating, the work of those in the finishing trades leaves a lasting impression on every building.
*Students must be able to lift 50lbs (22.68kg).
Students will learn:
- how to recognize and use essential tools and equipment
- surface preparation and cleaning techniques
- how to identify different paints, coatings, and materials
- how to work with wall coverings, wood finishes, and decorative finishes
- how to handle, cut, install, and replace floor coverings
- industry safety practices
- more detail about various career options within the trades of painter decorator, glazier, and floor covering installer
Location:
The International Union of Painters & Allied Trades Local 177 (1314 77 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB, T6P 1M2)
Option 3: Ironworker
Ironworker
Do you like heights and want to work with strong materials like structural iron and steel? Imagine yourself as an ironworker, a skilled professional who brings immense structures to life with precision and expertise. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 720, students can participate in a free program to explore the world of ironworking. Join us in this unique hands-on course taught by experienced journeyperson instructors, where you will develop ironworking and welding skills.
Students will learn:
- how to recognize and use essential tools used in ironworking, such as welding equipment, cranes, hoists, and cutting tools
- industry safety practices
- how to read blueprints, drawings, and specifications
- various metal fabrication techniques, including cutting, welding, bending, and shaping, to create structural components like beams, columns, and trusses
- how to assemble and install structural steel components on construction sites
- proper rigging and hoisting methods, bolt tightening procedures, and alignment techniques
Location:
Local 720 Ironworker Training Centre (12118 154 St, Edmonton, AB T5V 1J2)
Option 4: Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Do you like to get your hands dirty while keeping things running smoothly? Imagine being the person who ensures that machinery stays in top-notch condition, making sure operations run like a well-oiled machine. That's the world of industrial mechanics, also known as millwrights.
A typical day for millwrights is full of tinkering, monitoring, and fixing. They install, maintain, and troubleshoot an array of industrial machinery to make sure that operations run smoothly in manufacturing, processing, and construction sites. This can include working on a variety of systems, including mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust, with components that include pumps, fans, motors, conveyors, presses and generators. Millwrights can work both independently and as part of a team.
In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and Alberta Millwrights Local 1460, students can participate in a free program to explore various aspects of the trade and equip themselves with the essential skills needed to excel in the field. The program will be taught by an experienced journeyperson instructor and will focus on hands-on learning with some theory.
Students will learn:
- how to recognize and use essential tools and equipment
- welding techniques
- industry safety practices
- precision layout
- optical levelling
- how to read blueprints
- about various career options
Location:
Millwrights Training Centre (15210 123 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5V 0A3)
Option 5: Electrical
Electrical Trades
Are you fascinated by the power behind every light switch and electrical outlet? If so, picture yourself stepping into the world of electricians, where the safety and efficiency of electricity flow are in your capable hands. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and the Electrical Industry Training Centres of Alberta Local 424, students can participate in a free program to explore a unique introduction to the electrical trade. Through hands-on training from experienced journeyperson instructors in authentic industry settings, students will learn skills and build the confidence required to be successful in future work positions.
Students will learn:
- core principles of electricity, including concepts like voltage, current, resistance, and power
- how to recognize and use essential tools and equipment, such as multimeters, wire strippers, and circuit testers
- about proper grounding and handling of live wires
- industry safety practices
- hands-on experience in wiring circuits, and installing outlets, switches, and light fixtures
- how to read electrical blueprints and schematics to understand and follow wiring diagrams
Location:
Electrical Industry Training Centre (4203 95 St., Edmonton, AB, T6E 5R6)
Option 6: Pipe Trades
Pipe Trades
Do you enjoy turning an idea into reality through practical work? If so, step into the world of Pipe Trades where blueprints, specifications, and building codes guide the installation of vital piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals, or fuel. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and Alberta Pipe Trades College Local 488, students can participate in a free program to explore immersive hands-on training in authentic industry environments. Students will learn skills in the highly demanded trades of plumbing, steam fitting, pipefitting, gas fitting, B-pressure welding and sprinkler fitting.
Students will learn:
- how to recognize and use essential pipefitting tools and equipment
- welding techniques
- industry safety practices
- more detail about various career options within plumbing, steamfitting, sprinkler fitting, and gasfitting
Location:
Alberta Pipe Trades College (16120 118 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5V 1C6)
Option 7: Bricklayer
Bricklayer
Are you ready to build something incredible? This course may be perfect for you. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1, students can join our free program to dive into the exciting world of bricklaying! This hands-on experience will let you explore the artistry and skill behind this essential trade. This program offers training from skilled journeypersons in the high-demand field of masonry. Bricklaying is more than just a job—it's a chance to create lasting structures, develop a unique skill set, and be part of a community that shapes the world around us. Whether you envision building homes, schools, or public spaces, this program is your first step toward a rewarding career. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to lay the foundation for your future. Sign up today and start crafting your path in the bricklaying trade!
*Students in this program must be able to lift 50lbs (22.68kg).
Students will learn:
- how to recognize and use essential tools and equipment
- how to interpret intricate drawings and blueprints
- how to spread mortar and cut bricks with precision using a hammer, chisel, and masonry saw
- surface preparation and cleaning techniques
- industry safety practices
Location:
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1, IMI International Masonry Institute Training Center, 11330 143 St., Edmonton, AB, T5M 1V5
Option 8: Insulator Heat & Frost
Insulator Heat & Frost
Are you someone who enjoys making a positive impact on the environment? If so, come and learn more about insulators, who play a crucial role in keeping buildings green. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 110, students can participate in a free program designed to explore how to apply insulation to plumbing, heating and cooling systems, piping equipment, and pressure vessels to help reduce heat loss, control temperature, minimize sound transmission, and decrease the risk of fire hazard.
*Students in this program must be able to wear respiratory protection.
Students will learn:
- about the properties of various insulation materials used in industrial applications, such as fiberglass, mineral wool, foam boards, and reflective insulation
- fundamentals of thermal insulation
- how to install insulation materials properly on pipes, ducts, boilers, tanks, and other industrial equipment
- how to cut, fit, and secure insulation materials to ensure a tight and effective installation
- strategies to minimize energy loss
- how to recognize and use essential tools and equipment
- industry safety practices
Location:
Local 110 Insulators Heat & Frost Training Centre (9335 47 Street Edmonton, AB, T6B 2R7)
