Locksmith Apprenticeship
About the Locksmith Apprenticeship
Secure your future with this long-standing career. There will always be a demand for security and the need has never been higher than now.
The increasing awareness of preventative measures by the public to protect against theft is creating a need for more security measures, and therefore the demand for Locksmiths is anticipated to remain stable. With advancing technology and better security, this highly specialized field is continually evolving and requires more and more training.
If you enjoy a challenge, critical thinking and working with your hands, Locksmith is a great fit for you. As a Locksmith, you will install, adjust and repair locks, make keys and change lock combinations. You will spend a lot of your technical training in shops to support and apply the theory you learn in class.
Locksmiths are employed by locksmithing companies, security firms and institutions. Experienced Locksmiths can advance to supervisory positions or set up their own business. Most Locksmiths consider this to be a lifelong occupation.
When you graduate, you’ll receive both a:
Journeyperson Certificate: This certificate not only acknowledges your expertise in your chosen trade but also grants you the legal authority to work in that trade.
Education Credential: This is a formal testament to your dedication and hard work. It confirms that you've successfully finished a Diploma in a post-secondary study program and highlights the time and effort you've invested in mastering your trade or profession.
Work-integrated Learning
Apprenticeship is a unique form of post-secondary education that blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning. On average, you will spend 80 per cent of your apprenticeship on the job, practicing your trade or profession, and 20 per cent in the classroom or lab through structured learning at RDP.
Program Content
During this program you will spend eight weeks on campus every year, and a minimum of 1,560 hours on-the-job training.
Completion of Classroom Training
Students must achieve a weighted average of 65% with no section under 50% in both the theory and practical components of the classroom training as well as achieving a minimum grade of 70% on the AIT Provincial Exam for each period of classroom training.
Completion of a Journeyperson Certificate
The term of apprenticeship for a locksmith is three years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Related Careers
Locksmith
Safe and Vault Technician
Vault Technician
Journeyperson
Access Control Technician
Automotive Locksmith
Institutional Locksmith
Physical Security Specialist
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Admission Requirements
How to become an Apprentice:
Ensure you meet Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) eligibility and entrance requirements for your desired skilled trade.
Apply for an Apprenticeship Education Program.
Register for classroom instruction.
Academic Requirements
Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) entrance recommended path requirements:
ELA 30-2
Math 30-3
Physics 20 or Chem 20 or Science 20
Related CTS courses
OR
Minimum Requirements:
ELA 10-2
Math 10-3
OR
A pass on all five Canadian GED tests
OR
Successful completion of AIT’s entrance exam
Intake Details
Registration opens May 21, 2024
1st Period
September 16, 2024 - June 20, 2025
- Blended delivery
- On campus time requirements
- Nov 18 - 22 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- Feb 3 - 7 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- March 31 - April 4 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- May 12 - 16 | 8:30am-3:30pm
2nd Period
September 9, 2024 - June 13, 2025
- Blended delivery
- On campus time requirements
- Oct 21 - 25, 2024 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- Jan 20 - 24, 2025 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- March 17 - 21 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- May 5 - 9 | 8:30am-3:30pm
3rd Period
September 3, 2024 - June 6, 2025
- Blended delivery
- On campus time requirements
- Oct 7 - 11, 2024 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- Jan 6 - 10, 2025 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- March 3 - 7 | 8:30am-3:30pm
- April 21 - 25 | 8:30am-3:30pm
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per training period.
NOTE: Additional fees may apply.
For full fee information, view our Program Cost Estimates.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.