Four recent high school students were awarded with $1,000 scholarships toward their apprenticeship of choice.
“It’s awesome,” said Riley Wik of Innisfail about the registered apprentice program (RAP).
“I graduated last year but I took the registered apprentice program through high school. Instead of taking the (school) option you go to work and then those hours count towards your apprenticeship.”
Although apprenticeship programs typically start after high school, RAP gives students who know what they want to go into already, a chance to start early. Students divide their time between school and the worksite. Students finish their apprenticeship after high school and complete technical training. There are 50 apprentice trades available to students.
“I ended up with almost two years of apprenticeship hours out of high school so it was really good,” said Wik.
Wik, who currently works in Red Deer, is working towards his journeyman as a heavy equipment technician. At this rate, he could have everything completed and be certified before he’s 21.
Jared Blondin of Innisfail was also a recipient. In Penhold, Terrance Davey and Ryan Parcels also received scholarships to continue the program. Davy is working towards heavy equipment technician and Parcels, a welder.
More than 240 Alberta high school students were selected to receive the scholarships this year and more than 1,400 Alberta students are participating in the program.
