The Skilled Trades Foundations course is a next step for Calgary Trades & Technologies Collegiate (CTTC) CALM for Trades students interested in furthering their building trades careers. Students apply by submitting the Skilled Trades Foundations Expression of Interest form, which is emailed to them during their CALM for Trades course.
Skilled Trades Foundations
Through a structured rotation, students engage in practical exercises at trade stations, applying industry tools, materials, and installation techniques. Each Trades Wall is a self-contained, mobile unit designed to replicate a section of a residential wall, complete with structural framing and the integrated systems relevant to the trade being taught. (NOTE: SAIT's industry experts are developing courses and may accommodate tasks as determined by industry demand)
- Electrical
Students work with conduit runs, junction boxes, receptacles, switches, and a functioning breaker system to learn residential electrical layout, wiring, and safety procedures. - Plumbing
Training includes the installation and configuration of water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and fittings. - HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
Students gain experience installing and understanding ductwork, registers, and thermostat controls used in residential heating and ventilation systems. - Drywall Installation and Finishing Station
Students practice hanging drywall sheets, taping joints, applying compound, and sanding to achieve professional wall finishes. Students develop skills in measuring, cutting, and installing trim, molding, baseboards, and door/window casing.
Program Details
Program Benefits
By completing the rotation, students gain practical exposure to multiple building trades, strengthening their understanding of construction sequencing, coordination between trades, and industry best practices in residential building.
Considerations
- Students are encouraged to consider how this program fits into their academic and career goals and discuss options with parents/guardians, Guidance Counsellor or Off-Campus Teacher
- Students must have space in their full-year timetable to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates.
- Students cannot be enrolled in both Skilled Trades Foundations and a Unique Pathways (UP) course in the same semester.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner on site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Students must meet all course assignment, quiz and test deadlines.
- 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).
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Last modified: 2026-10-07 20:26:27.729071 +0000 UTC