RAP program gives students a head start in trades

08/29/07
BY MARK WEBER
Red Deer Express

It’s all about earning while you learn and getting a head start in your career while attending high school.

The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) allows students to choose from more than 50 trades and accumulate plenty of hours towards their first year apprenticeships.

RAP students can also earn a salary plus 40 high school credits towards their high school diplomas.

During the last school year, 36 local high school students were involved with RAP, said Lori Irvine, off-campus coordinator.

Another 25 have already started this summer.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for students,” she said. “They get the chance to start at an entry level.”

It’s also a terrific way to be exposed to a number of different trades, depending on the company. A student may begin in one area, but opt for another trade study that’s more in line with his or her aptitude.

Local companies have been incredibly supportive of RAP as well, said Irvine.

“They’ve been amazing – there have been some businesses that have phoned me year after year to say for example, ‘I can take a welder, but this year let me try also a mechanic or a heavy equipment technician’,” she said.

“It’s good for businesses because it can help to build their workforce, and they can mould the students in the training,” she said.

“It’s also nice to see these kids working in their own communities.”

Apprentices must be supervised by a journeyman and there are plenty of areas to apprentice in, from appliance service technician, auto body technician and electrician to

gasfitter, plumber and hairstylist.

For Curtis Chalmers, who graduated from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School this past June, the RAP program was indeed the way to go.

Chalmers, 18, is currently a machinist apprentice at Basic Tool & Die Inc. in Red Deer.

The company specializes in custom sheet metal parts for an array of uses.

During his high school years, he accumulated 1,200 hours towards his apprenticeship while earning 40 credits towards his diploma.

“It’s a pretty good way to go through high school,” he said.

One year during high school, he worked through the summer to help stockpile his hours.

“In Grade 11, I took afternoons off and came to work.”

His boss (and father) Maurice Chalmers, the business’ shop manager, said the RAP program is a win-win for all involved.

“We get an individual who is trainable, eager and ready to go so I think it’s a win situation on both sides.

“You also have the chance to influence them in what you would see as being the way to approach your work,” he said.

Curtis was Maurice’s first RAP student, and he wouldn’t hesitate to bring another one onboard as the company’s workload dictates.

“It’s a really good idea for both parties.”

The RAP program also fits well with how many students learn.

“For kids that don’t lean towards an academic path, it gives them a really good alternative,” he said.

Irvine agreed.

“Not all kids are designed to sit in a classroom and learn that way. A lot of them are more suited to a more practical learning environment. There is a bit of book work when they go to college for their technical training, but really, it’s hands-on. It’s an apprenticeship like any other.”

For more information, call Lori Irvine at 352-9238 or visit www.rdpsd.ab.ca/ltchs.

mweber@reddeer.greatwest.ca