Work Experience
Do you have a part-time job? Did you know you may be able to earn high school credits while you work? Through Work Experience, students can take their learning beyond the classroom and into a real workplace while earning high school credits.
Work Experience can include a current part-time job or an opportunity to explore a workplace or career that interests a student. Along the way, students gain real-world experience, develop valuable workplace skills, build connections with employers and learn more about their strengths and interests. Whether a student already has a job or is looking for an opportunity to gain experience, Work Experience can help connect learning at school with future education, training and career possibilities.
Interested? Students can connect with their Guidance Counsellor or Off-Campus Education Coordinator at their school today to find out how to get started with Work Experience.
How It Works
- Credits: You earn 1 high school credit for every 25 hours worked or volunteered.
- Maximum Credits: You can earn up to 30 to 35 total credits through work experience programs, though a maximum of 15 credits can be applied toward Alberta High School completion.
- Courses: Available as Work Experience levels 15, 25, and 35.
- Note: All students require HCS3000, Workplace Safety Systems, before work hours can begin to be counted.
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
Interested in the skilled trades? What if students could start an apprenticeship while still in high school?
The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) gives students the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship in one of Alberta’s designated trades while completing high school and earning high school credits. Through RAP, students work alongside experienced tradespeople, gain hands-on experience in a real workplace, and develop valuable industry skills. Students can explore a trade that interests them while beginning to accumulate apprenticeship hours toward their chosen trade.
The goal of RAP is for students to make meaningful progress toward their apprenticeship while still in high school, with the potential to complete the equivalent of their first year of apprenticeship by Grade 12 graduation. RAP can be a great option for students who enjoy hands-on learning and are interested in building a future in skilled trades. Some key RAP resources are:
Tradesecrets
The main portal for Alberta apprenticeship is Tradesecrets, the official Government of Alberta website for the skilled trades. It is the main hub for exploring designated trades, entrance requirements, exam info, and studying resources. It lets you register, manage your classes, and track your hours.
Visit TradesecretsMyTradesecrets
our personal online account to enroll in technical training, view exam schedules, and submit your blue record book.
Visit MyTradesecretsALIS Apprenticeship Information
Alberta’s official career planning and employment resource, featuring job boards and guidance on finding a sponsor.
Visit Apprenticeship in AlbertaSAIT Apprenticeship and Trades Training
If you are interested in learning more about Trades in Alberta - sign up for Apprenticeship 101 & 102 courses offered for FREE via SAIT's website.
Visit Apprenticeship and Trades Training from SAITWhere to start? Students can connect with their Guidance Counsellor or Off-Campus Education Coordinator at their school today to learn more about RAP and how to get started.
Supports for Students Looking for Opportunities
Students who are looking for paid and volunteer opportunities can self-register with one of many organizations in Calgary that support youth, including, but not limited to:
- Connections to industry partners in the Skilled Trades, ICT, Forestry, Agriculture, Energy and Healthcare
- Programs for students still in high school, as well as youth transitioning to the world of work
- Connected to your home high school’s Off-Campus Coordinator
- Free, in-person drop-in employment services for youth ages 15-24
- Services include resume support, job search strategies, interview preparation, career planning and connections to employers
Trellis Society Employment Services
- Free online and in-person employment support for youth 12+
- Workshops include resume, cover letter, job search, interview prep and employment skills
- Connection to paid work experiences and volunteer opportunities in a supported and inclusive environment
- Volunteer and leadership opportunities for youth ages 12-18
- Group-based opportunities allow youth to meet other youth from across Calgary
Calgary Public Library Youth Volunteers
- Volunteer opportunities for youth ages 12+
And many more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get work experience credits for a volunteer position?
YES! There must be a legitimate volunteer organization, non-profit, etc. and they must be insured for your type of work. Your home high school Off-Campus Coordinator will go over other requirements with you.
Can I volunteer with a business in order to prove myself?
YES! Job shadowing or an un-paid internship may qualify for Work Experience. However, these opportunities should be short-term before ending or moving into paid work.
Do all jobs qualify for Work Experience?
No, there are some jobs that don’t meet the criteria for Off-campus Education. Positions must meet the criteria set out in both the Off-campus Education Handbook and CBE’s Best Practices Guide.
Are there any pre-requisites for Work Experience and RAP?
YES! The number of pre-requisites depend on the type of work you will be doing. Talk to your home high school Off-Campus Coordinator to complete the pre-requisites for your position.
Can I get work experience credits for being a trainer with my school’s sports team?
MAYBE! If you are working towards hours for your sports medicine class etc., you can not be collecting hours for Work Experience at the same time. However, if you have completed all required hours for your course, then yes, any remaining hours may be used for Work Experience. Talk to your home high school Off-Campus Coordinator about other requirements!
How do I know how to find my home high school Off-Campus Coordinator?
Check out your school website staff directory. If you can’t find it there, check in with your Guidance or Success Centre office – they will point you in the right direction!
Can I get work experience credits for working with my parent?
MAYBE! There are other requirements that must be met. For instance, does the business have a physical space for visits? Are you registered as an employee? Talk to your home high school Off-Campus Coordinator about other requirements!
Last modified: 2026-10-01 22:34:22.187276 +0000 UTC