RAP in Westwind
There are opportunities for students seeking an apprenticeship or to explore trades to work with your academic counselor and local tradespeople to earn hours and develop skills that can allow you to complete the first year of apprenticeship or more while in high school.
PREREQUISITE – Students must complete HCS3000 (Workplace Safety Systems)
- Designed for high school students 15 years of age or older who are both full-time students and demonstrate readiness and an interest in the trades. Students entering high school should plan on a full course load in grade 10 with increasing RAP hours over grade 11 and 12. RAP prep and work experience can begin in grade 10 but a full mixed RAP program should not start prior to grade 11.
- RAP students earn their apprenticeship designation and their high school diploma concurrently. Students take courses such as English language arts, social studies, science, mathematics and other complementary CTS courses to meet the requirements for either an Alberta High School Diploma or a Certificate of High School Achievement.
- The amount of time a RAP student spends at school and on the work site can be flexible. The student, school, and employer jointly agree to a suitable schedule.
- A student who is uncertain about entering RAP should consider enrolling in Work Experience to explore one or more of the trades. Work Experience hours can also earn the student credits while exploring options and developing relationships that can support enrollment in a full RAP program.
- The student is responsible for finding an employer who is willing to accept him or her as an apprentice, but the Off-Campus Coordinator may offer some assistance. Students can also approach other organizations to access information regarding apprenticeship placements. (Eg – Careers: The Next Generation)
- An up-to-date list of Alberta’s designated trades can be found here.
- It is critical that the RAP student demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility. As a worker, the RAP apprentice is expected to take on the same responsibilities as a regular apprentice and be just as productive. The RAP apprentice is punctual, displays a positive attitude, completes tasks as assigned and observes all safety regulations and other rules of the employer.
- After meeting with the academic counselor at your school and receiving approval, the student will apply to the Apprenticeship and Industry Training office. They administer the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act that governs apprenticeship in Alberta. Under this legislation and its regulations: students are considered to be regular apprentices, students must be employed by a qualified employer and supervised by a qualified journeyperson. Students must be paid at least minimum wage. In addition to your school academic counselor, Apprenticeship and Industry Training staff will monitor and evaluate work placements and monitor RAP students.
- There are 8 RAP courses and each course involves 125 hours of on-the-job learning worth 5 credits.
- A RAP student can earn up to 1000 hours of time credits towards an apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeship and Industry Training Website
- Alberta Ed Program
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training – Updated Entrance Requirements