RAP - Registered Apprenticeship Program

Programs

Traditionally, apprenticeships in Alberta begin after high school graduation. However, it's not uncommon for students to identify their career interests at an early age and are ready to start learning their future trade while still in high school. 

A RAP apprentice accumulates hours of on-the-job training as credit towards their apprenticeship, plus credit towards their high school diploma.

To learn more about trades in Alberta, visit www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca.

RAP is part of a series of off-campus learning programs that includes Work Experience and Dual Credit.

Students enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) have the opportunity to:

  • Gain work experience at an approved work site,
  • Accumulating hours towards a ticket while attending high school,
  • Get a head start on completing the first year of apprenticeship training while still in high school, and
  • Easily transition to full-time apprenticeship once they graduate high school.

Who qualifies?

RAP is available to any high school student, though we recommend it more for students in grade 11 and 12. It's a time-intensive program, so planning for it early is beneficial to make sure students have the time and room in their schedules.

Time commitment considerations

RAP students are both full-time students and registered apprentices, dividing their time between an approved work site and their high school. The time a student spends at school and on the work site is a flexible arrangement made between the student, school and employer. 

How to earn high school credit

Students earn 5 high school credits for every 125 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 credits.

No matter what grade the student is in, they start accumulating hours in RAP 15. They need to accumulate 125 hours (5 credits) in order to move up to RAP 25A, another 125 hours (5 credits) to move on to RAP 25B and another 125 hours (5 credits) to move on to RAP 25C. From there, they move on to RAP 35A, and so on.

Cost considerations

Costs are typically minimal. The most common cost to consider is if the trade requires the student to buy steel toe boots. Other safety equipment is typically provided by the employer.

Some trades require students to complete extra safety courses and minimal costs may be incurred. Talk to Mr. Turnham before registering in any additional safety courses. He'll likely be able to help mitigate those costs.

Scholarship opportunities

Once a student completes 250 hours, they are eligible for an automatic one-time scholarship of $1,000. Scholarships are usually issued in the year following high school graduation.

Students who are enrolled in RAP are required to complete Workplace Safety Systems HCS 3000. There is no cost associated with taking the course.

Workplace Safety Systems HCS 3000 is a module that students can do independently any time throughout the year. Students must complete the module in order for any Work Experience credits they've earned to be issued. 

If you've taken CALM through summer school at any one of our high schools, you may have completed the module already. Please connect with Mr. Turnham to confirm your completion.

Here's what students can expect from Workplace Safety Systems:

  • Gain knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to workplace health and safety

  • Become familiar with workplace health and safety management systems, from history to present day (to better understand why current legislation is the way it is)

  • Learn to identify various types of hazards and to assess these hazards for the purpose of helping control them

  • Become aware of federal and provincial legislation relating to workplace health and safety

  • Better understand their role in the workplace as it pertains to safety of self and others

The biggest thing to consider for RAP is the time commitment. It's a time-intensive program, so planning for it early is beneficial to make sure students have the time and room in their schedules.

RAP students are both full-time students and registered apprentices, dividing their time between an approved work site and their high school. The time a student spends at school and on the work site is a flexible arrangement made between the student, school and employer. 

Students can register for RAP at any point during the school year, though the earlier in the year the better since you'll have more time to accumulate hours. If you're thinking about RAP, start conversations early to plan the best opportunities and experiences you are eligible for.

To register, please contact:

Natasha Pearson
Career Ed Program Coordinator
587.983.8776