Real experience. Practical skills. Career readiness.

Every AEC diploma program includes a required 100-hour practicum, arranged where possible with an employer in your own community. It's your chance to use what you've learned in a real workplace, build confidence and add real experience to your resume.

What is a locally sourced practicum?

It's a supervised work placement with a business, organization or employer in your local community. Because you can study online from anywhere in Alberta, we look for a placement near where you live rather than asking you to travel to Calgary.

When we look for a placement, we consider:

• your program and career goals,
• your availability and schedule,
• the employer's availability and workplace requirements,
• the skills your program requires you to practise, and
• any eligibility or paperwork the placement needs.

Placements come through AEC's employer and community connections, or you can suggest a possible host yourself for AEC to approve. Availability depends on local employers, your readiness and agreement between you, AEC and the host.

Why the practicum matters

The practicum bridges the gap between your coursework and the workplace. It gives you a chance to:

• apply your program skills in a supervised setting,
• build communication, teamwork and time-management skills,
• learn real workplace tools, systems and procedures,
• add practical experience to your resume,
• see whether a career path suits you before you graduate, and
• show employers you're reliable and professional.

How it works

1. Preparation. We go over what to expect, professional conduct and placement requirements.
2. Eligibility check. Before you start, you need to have passed all your courses, kept your attendance at 80% or higher, met your financial obligations to AEC and submitted your placement paperwork.
3. Finding a placement. Our Practicum Coordinator looks for a suitable local host. You're welcome to suggest one too.
4. Matching. We match your skills, schedule and program requirements with the host's needs.
5. Confirmation. You receive the host's details, your schedule, your supervisor's contact and what's expected of you.
6. Your 100 hours. You complete your hours on the agreed schedule and keep your timesheets and paperwork up to date.
7. Evaluation. Your host gives feedback, and AEC reviews your practicum before you complete your program.

What you might do

Tasks depend on your program, your host and your supervisor. They are entry-level, supervised and related to your field. Here are some examples.

You'll always follow your host's policies, privacy rules and safety procedures.

What we expect from you

• Arrive on time and stick to the agreed schedule.
• Communicate professionally with your supervisor and coworkers.
• Follow workplace policies, procedures and safety rules.
• Keep confidential information private.
• Record your hours accurately and complete your practicum paperwork.
• Tell AEC and your host right away about any concerns or schedule changes.
• Arrange your own practicum accident and liability insurance before you start. The cost depends on the provider.

Your practicum hours must be finished before your program's end date. Students who don't meet attendance, conduct or paperwork requirements may not be able to start or continue a placement.

For employers: host an AEC student

We're always looking for local businesses, clinics and organizations across Alberta to host practicum students. Hosting gives you:

• help with entry-level administrative, technical or operational tasks,
• motivated students trained in current workplace skills,
• a chance to see potential future hires at work,
• a structured placement with clear expectations and paperwork, and
• support from AEC throughout the placement.

Hosts provide a safe workplace, supervised tasks, guidance and feedback on the student's progress.

Interested in hosting? Email contact@myaec.live or call (403) 441-2059.

Practicum questions

Is the practicum required?

Yes, for all three diplomas: Cybersecurity Specialist, Cloud Engineering and Medical Office Assistant. You need to complete it to receive your diploma. Certificate programs don't include a practicum.

Will AEC find my placement?

Our Practicum Coordinator works with you to find a suitable placement near where you live. Availability depends on local employers, your readiness and your program's requirements, so we'll keep you updated throughout.

Can I do my practicum with my current employer?

Sometimes. Your current employer may be able to host you if the placement meets your program's requirements and AEC approves it before your hours begin.

Is the practicum paid?

No. The practicum is an unpaid learning placement.

Can I do my practicum outside Calgary?

Yes. We look for placements near where you live, anywhere in Alberta. If you plan to move outside Alberta, tell your student advisor as early as possible, because it may affect our ability to arrange and support your placement.

Do I need insurance for my practicum?

Yes. You arrange and pay for your own practicum accident and liability insurance before your placement starts. The cost depends on the provider.

What if I can't complete my practicum?

Contact AEC as soon as possible if scheduling, health, personal or placement problems come up. We'll review your situation and explain your options. If you choose not to do the practicum, you'll receive a transcript instead of your diploma.