Registered Apprenticeship Program
A program that allows students to get work experience in high school and start a career in the trades early.
What schools offer RAP?
RAP can be done at a school, or if that is unavailable, through Metro Continuing Education. For more specifics, talk to a school coordinator at the school you attend.
What should you know about RAP?
Curriculum
How it works:
You have to find an employer yourself and a school that will allow for you to complete the program
You can choose out of the following programs: Programs.
There are a lot of programs but only certain ones are approved for certain schools
Courses & Structure
Students will spend half of year completing an Alberta diploma, half of year on-site with a specific path chosen. Thus, it is important that the school that the student is in during the duration of RAP is able to accommodate for this specific academic route.
Some RAP programs (depending on the school) can count work or volunteer hours for credit without affecting school hours (for example, a part time job done in the evening or weekends). Talk to the RAP coordinator at your school to find out more about your case.
More Information
RAP is for students that want a career in trades and are looking to start early with experience on-site. High schools must allow the student to register in this program. Students must talk with administrators from the specific high school to make sure they are able to accommodate the student.
Follow the following links for more information from official websites.
Prerequisites, Eligibility, & Cost
Student must:
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be a Canadian citizen, or
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be a permanent resident of Canada, or
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be a Convention refugee or protected person, or
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be a Refugee Claimant in possession of a work permit; or
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be an individual in possession of a Post-Graduation Work Permit;
and
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be a resident of Alberta, or
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be primarily working in Alberta (in the scope of the apprenticeship education program).
Students must be 15 years or older and have the consent of a parent or guardian.
Academic Prerequisites:
Depending on the trades the student chooses, there are different academic prerequisites that must be met prior to starting the program. Most of the minimum requirements should be met by the end of grade 10. If this academic prereqs cannot be met or the student wishes to start earlier, they may take the entrance exam associated with the trade. More information can be found here. This document also outlines courses that are useful for the trade as well as courses that must be taken in order to graduate with the Alberta High School Diploma.
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Costs:
Costs can be associated with fees for exams, varying depending on what trade the student selects. There are entrance exams that students may pass to partake in the related program, all which can be done through the Trade Secrets website. Some exams have a two-part exam with a theoretical (written) and a practical section. Fees for written exams are generally $150, but the practical exam fees vary (sometimes none, minimum is $78, maximum $475).
Benefits
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Allows students to enter a full trades program upon completing RAP in high school.
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Gain valuable work hours and experiences in high school, as well as earn money alongside credits for school.
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Networking advantages
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Job related training is covered (such as health and safety courses)
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You get a Red Seal on most programs, which is a common standard for tradespeople in Canada. It is federally recognized and valuable for trades careers.
Drawbacks
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Less focus on academics
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Takes up time outside of school hours
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The RAP program can be very different from a traditional high school if a student is looking for that opportunity