Do you dream in HGTV? Do you want an entry point into an area of the trades that makes things look good? This program might be the perfect fit for you. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, students can participate in a free one-semester program to explore the Finishing Trades. A career in the finishing trades includes those involved in the final stages of construction, including: painting and decorating, drywall finishing, and hazardous waste removal.
This program will have a particular focus on the red seal Painter & Decorator skilled trade, but will touch on other aspects as well. Students will learn from industry professionals and trainers to prepare for a future career in this versatile group of trades. Training takes place in an industry setting by Journeyperson instructors.
Students will learn:
- Health & Safety, Regulations & Industry Policy
- Climbing, rigging and hoisting
- Hazardous materials and fire protection
- WHMIS, OH&S regulations
- Painting & Decorating Industry
- Surface analysis, remedies and preparation
- Liquid coatings and material selection
- Manual, conventional and airless spray systems and application
- Drywall finishing
- Trade Mathematics
- Other Finishing Trades Careers will be introduced, including:
- Glazier
- Drywall finisher
- Hazardous Waste Removal Worker
- Floor Coverer
Students will earn industry-recognized credentials in:
- Fall protection
- Aerial Work Platform (Elevated Platform)
- First Aid
- Potential additional credentials include: Confined Space and Fit Test
Program Details
Eligibility
Open to all CBE high school students who:
- Are in Grade 11 or 12 during the program
- Are a minimum of 16 years of age
- Are mature, punctual and reliable, as this is an industry setting
- Are able to commit to the duration of the program and attend one of two cohort times
- Pre-requisite Courses:
- HCS 3000, HCS 3010, and CSTS 2020
- All courses are available through the home high school Off-Campus Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor
- Ideally, pre-requisite courses are completed prior to applying, but must be completed within 2 weeks of being accepted into the program (before the program begins)
- HCS 3000, HCS 3010, and CSTS 2020
Location & Delivery
Offered in person at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), District Council 177 (#210-4656 Westwinds Drive NE)
Duration & Time
Summer | Month of July
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Semester 2 | February - May
- AM Cohort | Monday - Thursday, 8:30–11:30 AM OR
- PM Cohort | Monday - Thursday, 1:00–4:00 PM
Timetable Requirements
- Semester 2 - Depending on the cohort they are offered (AM or PM), students must have no morning or afternoon classes in their timetable at their home high school to accommodate this program.
- Summer – This program is a full-time program and students must commit to the entirety of the program. Students may not be enrolled in any other summer school courses (work experience may be accepted) and must not be planning on travelling during the month of July.
Workload
- Semester 2 - Students can expect a total of 12 hours per week in person.
- Summer - Students can expect a total of 37.5 hours per week in person.
There is minimal additional asynchronous work for either session; however, students may require some independent study time to prepare for assessments.
Program Benefits
- Skills, Training and Transition to Work
- Training by a qualified Journeyperson instructor
- Connection to potential work placements
- Completion of industry-recognized safety credentials
Credits
Up to 7 Work Experience Credits
(Credit count may be different in the summer program)
Considerations
- Students must have space in their schedule to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates.
- School year programs – consider your other required coursework, school timetable, and extracurriculars
- Summer programs – consider your other obligations and travel plans. This course should be considered a full-time job.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location. Support may be available – reach out to your Off-Campus Coordinator or guidance counsellor or email uniquepathways@cbe.ab.ca if you require support.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Credits are assigned based on attendance (every 25 hours = 1 credit). Missed classes result in fewer credits.
- For school year programs, students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate with both their CBE supervising teacher and course instructor regularly.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-Campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Contact
Unique Pathways Team
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Last modified: 2026-07-08 20:54:15.586814 +0000 UTC