SSA Apprenticeship Program

View the Apprenticeship Training Areas

Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) is a career program that provides students with the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship while still in high school, and to earn high school credits for doing so.

The program helps to encourage students to continue to pursue academic goals and to graduate. At the same time, it provides a smoother transition from school to work, and a quicker route to certification in a trade - and to the earning power that goes with it.

A Secondary School Apprenticeship involves part-time work within a trade – something many secondary students are doing anyway. Once they register as Secondary School Apprentices, such students can get academic credit for their work towards high school graduation and work experience credit towards completion of their apprenticeship.

Like other apprentices, Secondary School Apprentices are responsible for finding an employer who will hire them and commit to their training but will receive assistance through C.A.V.E.

The key benefit of the Secondary School Apprenticeship program is the head start you get on your career - you could be up to two years ahead of your peers in a career in the trades if you participate.

If you have an interest in a Secondary School Apprenticeship, but are unsure of what type of trade you'd like to pursue, have a look at Industry Careers A-Z. It provides a good sense for the scope of the options, and detailed information on ones that interest you.


Hidden Apprentices

Secondary School Apprenticeships aren't just for students who are looking to enter the working world. You might already be a secondary school apprentice and not know it.

If you are a high school student working part-time in a trade, you are probably a "hidden apprentice". By registering as a Secondary School Apprentice, you will be able to earn dual credit for the work you're already doing, become eligible for a $1,000 scholarship, and get a head start on earning your trade certification.

Secondary School Apprenticeship Scholarships

As an added bonus, secondary school apprentices can qualify for a $1,000 scholarship if they:

• complete at least 480 hours of paid work experience in their chosen trade;
• graduate with a C+ average on grade 12 numbered courses; and
• are still pursuing their apprenticeship six months after graduation.

SECONDARY SCHOOL APPRENTICESHIP PROVIDES:

• Paid work experience. Employers are required to pay secondary school apprentices minimum wage or higher until graduation. After graduation the incremental apprenticeship wage scale for the specific occupation will apply.

• Dual credit from both secondary school and post-secondary systems. Up to 16 secondary school graduation credits can be acquired through the SSA work place based learning component.

• Linkage with professionals in an industry which may provide valuable future connections.

• Reduced cost of post-secondary training. Learning on the job while being paid replaces entry level trades training programs that must be paid for by the student.

• A $1,000.00 scholarship may be available to students who complete 480 hours of work place based training as a registered apprentice and also maintain a C+ or better average in all their grade 12 courses.

View the Apprenticeship Training Areas