The trades are booming in Alberta, and forward-thinking students are jumping in, even before finishing high school! Enter one of the best ways to earn high school credits - without even showing up to class!
The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is Alberta’s answer to the growing demand for tradespeople. In Sherwood Park, you can work with the program through Careers: The Next Generation. Provided with 1000 hours of work experience towards the first year of an apprenticeship, students get a head-start in their career of choice, even before they have a high school diploma in hand. They even offer a $1000 scholarship to participants.
RAP students earn a salary, and up to 40 high school credits - nearly half of the required amount for graduation. Over 50 trades are involved in the program, including: Welder, Motorcycle Mechanic, Autobody Technician, Electrician and Hairstylist.
The RAP program has its share of success stories. Edmonton native Dustin Thomson, 20, was profiled this summer in Edmontonians Magazine’s Sizzling 20 Under 30 for his achievements. A fourth year apprentice, Dustin completed high school six months early, and now runs his own company subcontracting himself - and his own rebuilt service truck - out to Ledcor, and earning close to a journeyman’s wage in the process.
All of the local high schools can administer the program, so visit your career advisor to see what the RAP program can do for you. Many Sherwood Park companies are more than willing to help high school students get their hands dirty in the trades before graduation; take advantage of the opportunity!