High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAO)

CTS is a strategy used by Southwest Horizon School Division which enables students in rural high schools to access technical & vocational learning experiences.

Starting in grade 11, the High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAO) allows students to earn high school credits for time spent in on-the-job training and employment as an apprentice. The participant, as a student, completes core academic subjects including Math, and Language Arts while working as an apprentice.

Students may select other school option credits (e.g. Sciences) based on their post secondary interests. Up to eight (8) credits are available based on the hours spent in apprenticeship (110 hours = 1 credit).

At the completion of grade 12, the student would graduate with a Technology Education HSAP diploma, and would be progressing towards completion of their Apprenticeship.

The individual would continue in training and employment with the employer, and within a few years can earn a 'Certificate of Qualification' in his or her trade.

The challenge of getting into an Apprenticeship program is finding an employer who needs an apprentice.

Apprenticeships occur where there are qualified journey persons available to supervise the apprentice. Normally, apprenticeship candidates would be well known to the host/ employer. Where this is not the case, candidates should consider an internship as a means of demonstrating their aptitude and commitment to training in a particular occupation.

There is a fifty-dollar registration cost to the student. Unlike other work experience opportunities available to students in Southwest Horizon School Division, apprenticeship allows students to earn a salary while they complete their high school.

The Apprenticeship Branch determines salary paid by employers.

This model provides a cost-effective way to develop highly skilled and productive employees. An industry-driven initiative, apprenticeship sets standards for skills in a wide variety of trades through industry advisory groups.

Technology has had a significant impact on the trades and on apprenticeship. The challenge of keeping up with technology has made learning a trade a lifetime commitment requiring an impressive range of both traditional and technical skills.

Students are required to enroll in Management Skills 40S to initiate this program of study and their Career learning Portfolio. More information regarding registration for this option is available through the office of the Career Internship School based Coordinators.

Manitoba Education - High School Apprenticeship Program Website