Here is the response I got..................
Dear ******,
The requirements for the Qualification Certificate Program - Work Experience application are still the same as last year. You are correct that the Instrument Technician is an Optional trade.
Once you submit your application with all the required information and the $450 CDN fee your work experience in the trade will be assessed and if it is approved you will get an approval letter.
If you are approved there is a theory examination that you must pass before you can be certified in the trade but no practical examination for this trade. You will not be able to challenge the examination outside of Alberta and you will need to have an Alberta employer as we will need a declaration letter from your employer before you can challenge the exam.
Please visit our website at http://tradessecrets.alberta.ca . The website has been updated since you last submitted an application.
So, I guess, the way would be to apply for the approval letter, then use the letter to try and find a job in Alberta.
Who knows, probably attaching it to a job application might help.