Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

The amount of time a RAP student spends at school and on the work site can be quite flexible, allowing the student to divide his or her time between an approved work site and senior high school. The student, school and employer jointly agree to a suitable schedule. The student might work as a RAP apprentice for half of each school day, for one or two days per week, holidays and weekends, during summers, or for an entire semester. As a worker, the RAP apprentice is expected to take on the same responsibilities as a regular apprentice and be just as productive. The RAP apprentice is punctual, completes tasks as assigned and observes all safety regulations and other rules of the employer. As a student, the RAP apprentice attends classes, completes school assignments and maintains passing grades.

Apprenticeship and Industry Training administers the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act, 2000, that governs apprenticeship in Alberta. Under this legislation and its regulations:

• Students are considered to be regular apprentices. 
• Students must be employed by a qualified employer and supervised by a qualified journey person. 
• Students must be paid at least minimum wage. 
• Apprenticeship and Industry Training staff will monitor and evaluate work placements and monitor RAP students.

Technical training schedules are established by Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Technical training is normally required after the student completes each year of apprenticeship. The RAP apprentice’s technical training is delayed until after he or she has completed senior high school and has also completed the required number of hours of workplace learning.

If a student completes all of his or her required senior high school courses and wishes to enroll in the technical training component early, the student should consult with the in-school off-campus coordinator and Apprenticeship and Industry Training to make the necessary arrangements.

A RAP student may also enroll in CTS courses related to his or her chosen trade area. By completing specific 1-credit courses, he or she may meet the requirements of a CTS-to-apprenticeship articulation agreement and further accelerate his or her progress through apprenticeship.

A RAP student is expected to continue his or her apprenticeship after graduating from senior high school.