Frequently Asked Questions About Working in Alberta

I am a Journeyman Ironworker how do I get work out of Local 720?
I am an Apprentice Ironworker how do I get work out of Local 720?
I am a Journeyman Welder how do I get work out of Local 720?
I am an Apprentice Welder how do I get work out of Local 720?
I have no Experience but I am interested in becoming an Ironworker.

As you may have heard the rules and regulations surrounding trades in Alberta are some of the most strict in Canada, as a result we have to ensure that all workers dispatched by Ironworkers Local 720 have met all of the requirements to legally work in the province.

Ironworking and Welding in Alberta are considered COMPULSORY Trades, this means that anyone who does the duties of either a Structural, Ornamental or Reinforcing Ironworker as well as Welder in the province of Alberta must be a registered apprentice in the trade or hold a Journeyman ticket.  For those that are dispatched from Local 720 and do not have a valid apprenticeship or a Journeyman ticket there are a couple of options open to them.

 

1. If you would like to be an Ironworker but you do not have any experience the best way to try and gain employment would be to apply for our Pre-Apprentice course.  This course is run at various times throughout the year as needed by our contractors for more info on this course check out the training calendar and course descriptions on the website for more info on this course and to see current class dates.
2. For those who wish to start work and an apprenticeship right away can monitor our dispatch for any First year apprentice calls (Ironworker or Welder).  Our current job openings can be viewed on our website under the “job postings” area.  Instructions on how to post in for work are explained on the website.  Our Job postings are updated every day at 5:00pm. A new worker can be indentured as an apprentice through our apprenticeship department (after they have been dispatched).  In order to start an apprentice contract the worker needs to have a copy of their school transcript that shows they have completed grade 10 math and English as a minimum.
   The worker will complete an apprenticeship application (online) and pay the $35 application fee (credit card only) to AIT (Alberta Industry and Training), once the application has been processed a receipt is issued and is proof of apprenticeship. All apprentice applicants are required to have a unique E-mail address in order to file an application.
   In approx 6 to 8 weeks an apprenticeship record book and ID card are generated and are sent to the Apprenticeship department of Local 720, we keep the record book and update with hours etc from contractors that you work for.  A copy of the ID card is kept on file and the original is mailed to the apprentice.  This card must be with the apprentice at all times while on the job.
3. Any worker who is starting an apprenticeship with Local 720 and has previous work experience, can have those hours credited to their apprenticeship.  In order to have hours credited we will need a letter from the employers they worked for outlining the dates and hours worked as well as a description of duties performed.  Some contact information on the letters will allow us to verify the information, once verified the hours can be added to the apprenticeship.  (this must be done when the worker is filing their application of Apprenticeship).
4. 4.    The other option available to experienced workers is to make an application with AIT to challenge the Red Seal Journeyman Exam.  In order to do this the worker needs to file a “Qualification Certificate Program/Work Experience Application”.  This application is available on the Trade secrets website www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca this application requires the applicant to have documented proof (letters as listed above) of 9000 hours and 72 months worked in the trade (Ironworker Generalist), 4500 hours and 36 months worked in the trade (Ironworker Reinforcing), 6750 hours and 54 months worked in the trade (Ironworker Structural/Ornamental) and 6750 hours and 54 months worked in the trade (Welder).   The applicant needs to complete the application and pay the $450.00 application fee (Plus $160.00 practical exam fee for Welders).  Once the application has been accepted and verified the applicant will be given an exam date, that applicant can work in that trade up to that date.  If they pass, a Red Seal Journeyman ticket will be issued if they fail they can apply for a rewrite at a cost of $100.00.  If they fail a second time the applicant must apply for apprenticeship and complete technical training.  Currently the pass rate for the Red Seal challenge is less than 10%

Aside from apprenticeship and trade qualifications there are a number of safety related tickets required to work in Alberta.

1.    CSTS (Construction Safety Training Systems)

• This is an internet based computer program that covers a variety of safety practices common to construction.
• This course takes a minimum of 6 hours on the computer
• Workers must have this training PRIOR to posting in for dispatch.  Contact the ACSA (Alberta Construction Safety Association) to access the course www.acsa-safety.org

2.    OSSA Certified Fall Protection

• This is an 8 hour class specific to hazards present while working at heights.  Course must be certified by OSSA (Oil Sands Safety Association)

• Workers must have this training PRIOR to dispatch.

• Applicants can register and attend this class at the local 720 training center, check out the training calendar for dates and times or call 780-482-0908  Course cost is $100.00 or

• Check out the list of approved training providers at the OSSA website www.ossa-wb.ca  

3.    OSSA Certified EWP (Elevated Work Platform)

• This is an 8 hour class specific to hazards present while working with Elevated Work Platforms.  Course must be certified by OSSA (Oil Sands Safety Association)
• Applicants can register and attend this class at the local 720 training center, check out the training calendar for dates and times or call 780-482-0908.  Course cost is $100.00 or
• Workers must have this training PRIOR to dispatch.  
• Check out the list of approved training providers at the OSSA website www.ossa-wb.ca 

4.    OSSA BSO (Basic Safety Orientation)

• The OSSA Basic Safety Orientation is a 4 hour classroom course designed to inform the worker of the unique hazards present in the Oil Sands/ Mining areas.
• Applicants can register and attend this class at the local 720 training center, check out the training calendar for dates and times or call 780-482-0908.  Course cost is $100.00 or
• Workers must have this training PRIOR to dispatch.  
• Check out the list of approved training providers at the OSSA website www.ossa-wb.ca 

 

5.    CWB Welding Certification  (Welders Only)

Workers who wish to be dispatched from Local 720 as a Welder must be in possession of a Journeyman Welder ticket or proof of a valid welding apprenticeship (ID card and Apprentice record book) and valid CWB Welding Certifications.  We recommend Welders to have as many CWB Weld positions and processes as possible, most employers are requesting workers with a 4 position SMAW and FCAW.

The above information will help you prepare for work in the Alberta Area through Local 720. 

 

IMPORTANT INFO FOR ALL WORKERS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH LOCAL 720

 

• Workers who are interested in a job posted  submit an online application through our website.  ALL APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE ABOVE TRAINING AND TRADE TICKETS IN THE "PRE-QUALIFYING APPLICATION"   
• Applications that meet the requirements will be issued a reference number to be used while posting through dispatch 

Note:   Anyone who does not have a valid apprenticeship or a Journeyman ticket at the time of dispatch will be dispatched as a first year apprentice.  To be dispatched at a higher level the worker needs to provide proof of apprenticeship level or journeyman ticket.