Off-Campus Career Education

Up to 40 credits

RAP is an Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT)-approved program that permits a high school student to register as an apprentice while attending high school; a RAP student is able to complete a high school diploma while starting a trade-specific career.

This opportunity is open to all grade levels, though Grades 11 and 12 are recommended. As this is a time-intensive course, early planning is of great benefit. It is advised that all students with an interest in the trades complete the required career investigation paperwork upon entry into high school to better prepare for their journey. This can be done virtually, however, consultation with the RAP coordinator is recommended.

Further information is available from the RAP coordinator or from a Bellerose school counsellor or administrator.

Benefits of the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

• You will be paid minimum wage or higher

• You can earn up to 40 RAP credits towards a high school diploma

• It's possible to bank up to 1000 hours towards apprenticeship training

• You can qualify for a $1000 Scholarship! Students will be notified by Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) if requirements are met for the High School Apprenticeship Scholarship.

• You will get a head start on a career! The outcomes of RAP align with 1st year apprenticeship training

Up to 30 credits (15 toward your diploma)

The Work Experience Program consists of placing students in work stations within the community. The purpose of this activity is to familiarise students with the world of work, to give them the opportunity to explore careers, and to possibly open up opportunities for either apprenticeship programs or permanent placement. Supervision and evaluation are done by both the work experience coordinator and the work station supervisor.

Students may enter this program pre-employed (with a current job) or consult with the work experience coordinator to obtain employment. This course offers an excellent opportunity to experience what a career would be like without waiting to obtain required prerequisites outside of school. If you currently hold a part-time job, you are strongly encouraged to register for this course.

Prerequisite: HCS 3000 must be completed before credits are issued. May be taken for either Work Experience/RAP; it is strongly advised to be taken prior to enrollment. *Please note that no hours will be counted unless all paperwork is submitted*

The following conditions apply for all off-campus education:

It is recommended that all students complete HCS 3000 [Workplace Safety] for credit upon entry into Grade 10. Students may use credits from Work Experience 35 to satisfy some graduation requirements. The minimum expectation is 75 hours (3 credits) worked, to a maximum of 750 hours (30 credits) throughout high school [25 hours are required per credit]. The choice of the Work Experience activity is the responsibility of the student, with parental approval.

Some benefits to note:

• Students may receive up to 10 credits in each Grade level
• Students will receive credits and potentially earn money, at the same time
• It's a great tool to use on post-secondary applications
• Your employer's evaluations act as an indicator of your job performance
• Work Experience marks can be used to qualify for the Rutherford Scholarship

Quite often, the GOALS student will return for a second year of Grade 12. It is our goal to help the student have a successful transition into adult life. The work experience opportunities begin in Grade 10 (onsite). We continue to give more varied experiences, where appropriate, in Grade 11. During their Grade 12 year, when appropriate, the second semester is usually devoted to off-site work experiences. If students return for a second year of Grade 12, they can expect to spend most days of the year gaining skill sets in both on-site and off-site work experiences.

Starting for the 2024-2025 school year, St. Albert Public Schools is excited to announce we’ll be taking part in Building Futures in partnership with Encore Builders! 

Building Futures is an amazing hands-on and unique full-year program for St. Albert Public Schools Grade 10 students, where they will earn credits towards their diploma while at the same time diving into experiential learning at its finest; building a house from the ground up! 

Building Futures gives students the opportunity to experience dynamic learning that comes with building a house, while on-site teachers instruct core and elective courses - ensuring they cover the Alberta Education curricula required for high school graduation. Classroom work involves plenty of hands-on, project-based learning and emphasizes mastery. Building Futures allows for individualized instruction, working to create an environment where students can pursue their passions! Students engage in academic courses from specialized teachers utilizing the garage of their new home as their classroom! Working in cohorts they will spend part of the day in their garage classroom and the remainder of the day working alongside the Encore Master Builder team at every stage of constructing the  house!

Students will work on all facets of the house meaning they will learn practical skills in carpentry, concrete, plumbing, electrical work, and other trades. They will also grow in their important soft skills, working as a team, responsibility, punctuality, communicating, and problem solving. The Building Futures Program offers a range of benefits beyond just real life work experience. Students gain exposure to the construction industry and its many trades, sub-trades and skills, which can help them make informed decisions about their future education and career goals.