Why RAP?

The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) provides the opportunity for students to earn senior high school credits toward an Alberta High School Diploma or a Certificate of High School Achievement, while simultaneously gaining Experience Hours that can be applied toward an apprenticeship while still in senior high school.

• You can earn up to a maximum of 40 credits towards a high school diploma in the RAP program
• Education through an apprenticeship in the trades IS post-secondary education
• Once registered the student receives their Blue Book to log their Experience Hours. As a RAP student you can earn a salary for the 1000 hours + you will need for your Experience Hours
• Scholarships are available
• Skilled trades people are in short supply. A RAP apprentice gets on the job training in a skilled trade while being paid for that work
• RAP offers an enriched, real world applicable, high school education
• A RAP apprentice gets a realistic look at what it takes to be a journeyperson and learns employability skills that would be applicable to any job

If interested please contact the Off-campus Coordinator, Counsellor or Administrator for further information.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite safety courses specified in the Off Campus Education Program Handbook include:

• Minimum 15 years of age or older
• HCS3000 Workplace Safety Systems (1 credit)– prerequisite course for the first off-campus learning experience
• HCS3010 Workplace Safety Practices (1 credit)– recommended co-requisite course for students enrolling in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
• Alberta Construction Safety Association CSTS 2020 -Safety Fundamentals (recommended co-requisite)

What are the entrance requirements? 

• Good academic standing, particularly in Math, Science and English
• Excellent attendance at school, good citizenship and attitude

RAP Placement

How do I find a RAP Apprentice placement?

• Speak to your Off-Campus Coordinator at your school.
• Apply to Careers: The Next Generation
• Speak to friends and family that are certified journeypeople

How much time does a RAP apprentice spend on the job?
The employer, the student/parent, and the school determine the hours of work for each grade level the student is in, Grade 10, 11, 12 or Returning 12. Employers and schools work together to create a timeline that is in the best interest of the student. 

Who can employ a RAP Apprentice?
Anyone who meets criteria to hire an apprentice can employ a RAP apprentice.

How is a RAP Apprentice different from a regular apprentice? 

• A RAP apprentice is a full-time high school student.
• A RAP apprentice must be paid at least minimum wage.
• Apprenticeships formal or technical training can be taken at the same time at the High School, or in a dual credit program or delayed until the RAP student completes high school.
• Alberta Education is responsible for Worker’s Compensation coverage for RAP apprentices.

Employer Benefits: 

• Builds a community based work force
• Participates in education process
• WCB – covered by Alberta Education
• Assists with shortage in trades
• Guidance by workplace mentor/journeyperson
• Minimizes cost of training/training is on the job under your supervision
• Participate in the development of your future workforce
• Integrates trade training in high school education process
• the student develops employability skills
• you get to give feedback and performance review

Interested in exploring a career in the trades?
Find out how to get a head start through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)