Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
Overview
Start your career in the trades while still in high school. The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) lets you work as a registered apprentice, earn a wage, accumulate hours toward your first-year apprenticeship, and earn high school credits — all at the same time.
Alberta has more than 50 designated trades to choose from, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive service, cooking, hairstyling, and many more. You'll be matched with an employer willing to apprentice you, and you'll work a flexible schedule alongside your other courses.
What You Get
- Earn up to 40 high school credits (1 credit per 25 hours of on-the-job training)
- Register as an official apprentice with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
- Earn a wage (at least minimum wage)
- Accumulate hours toward your first-year apprenticeship
- Eligibility for a $1,000 RAP scholarship upon graduation (or $2,000 if you also complete a CTS Apprenticeship Pathway)
How to Get Started
If you already have a job where the employer is willing to apprentice you, speak with Mr. Lampos right away.
If you don't have a position yet:
- Enroll in at least one course at Centre High. RAP itself isn't an enrollable course — you need to be taking something else. Math, Science, English, or any Career Pathways course are all good choices. You must be on track for a high school diploma.
- Meet with Mr. Lampos. He'll guide you through exploring trades, earning certifications, building a resume and cover letter, preparing for interviews, and learning job search and networking skills.
- Find a position. You won't do it alone — we'll connect you with industry partners. But you must be actively looking on your own too. Your attendance and attitude in your courses will be monitored. Employers want students who show up on time and work hard.
After Graduation
After graduating high school, RAP apprentices continue their training by attending 6-12 weeks of in-class technical training annually while working toward journeyperson certification.
Career Opportunities
- Electrician — Installing and maintaining electrical systems in buildings and facilities
- Carpenter — Building, installing, and repairing structures and fixtures
- Plumber — Installing and maintaining piping systems for water, gas, and drainage
- Welder — Joining metal parts using heat and specialized equipment
- Automotive Service Technician — Diagnosing and repairing vehicles
- Heavy Equipment Technician — Maintaining and repairing construction and industrial machinery
- Cook — Preparing food in restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens
- Hairstylist — Cutting, coloring, and styling hair in salons
- Steamfitter-Pipefitter — Installing and maintaining high-pressure piping systems
- Sheet Metal Worker — Fabricating and installing sheet metal products for HVAC and construction
- Cabinetmaker — Designing and building custom cabinets and furniture
- Landscape Horticulturist — Designing and maintaining gardens, lawns, and outdoor spaces
Post-Secondary Programs
Transferable Skills
- Trade-specific expertise — Hands-on skills in your chosen trade, learned on the job from experienced tradespeople
- Work ethic — Showing up on time, working hard, and meeting employer expectations
- Professionalism — Conducting yourself appropriately in a real workplace environment
- Problem-solving — Diagnosing and fixing issues with tools, materials, and systems
- Financial independence — Earning a wage and managing your income while still in school
- Career planning — Making informed decisions about your long-term trade and certification goals