Launch Student Careers
Career pathways provide students with valuable experiences and skills that can enhance their academic and professional journey. Dual credit courses enable students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start in their postsecondary education. Work experience programs allow students to gain practical skills and industry knowledge. Registered apprenticeship programs provide students with the chance to learn a trade while working alongside experienced professionals, preparing them for well-paying careers in various industries. These diverse pathways support students in exploring their interests, developing real-world skills, and making informed decisions about their future career paths.
2025 | 2026 DUAL CREDIT
| Program Guide | 2025/2026 Program guide offers detailed information about the dual credit options available. Please review the program guide carefully to determine if dual credit is the right fit. |
| Semester 1 Application Form | Application needs to be completed and submitted by May 1, 2025 if you would like to participate. |
Work Experience
| Work Experience Forms | ||||
| Contract | Duty Sheet | Timesheet | Student Self Evaluation | Employer Evaluation Form |
This program gives students an opportunity to discover their career interest in meaningful work activities, situated in community-based work sites, in business, industry, government, and community service. Students gain new skills that they cannot acquire in a regular school environment. For example: customer service, interacting with employers/supervisors, working with fellow employees, etc.
This program provides for partnerships between the student, the school, the employer, parents, and the community. These partnerships provide opportunities for students to explore and expand their career interests and aptitudes in meaningful activities, situated in community-based work environments. Additionally, students have the opportunity to
- Understand employer expectations
- Develop work skills
- See the relation between school and work
- Benefit from employer contacts
- Obtain references
- Explore possible career interests
Who may go into Work Experience?
- Any MHHS student in grade 10, 11, or 12 who has a part-time job during the school year or a position during the summer months, or who volunteers, can sign up for Work Experience. Grade 9's can also register in the summer following graduation from Grade 9.
How to Register:
- Complete HCS3000 (contact the Work Experience Office to register for HCS3000).
- Complete the Work Experience Contract and return to the Work Experience Office.
- Complete Duty Sheet and return to the Work Experience Office.
- Credits/hours cannot be counted until a completed contract and duty sheet are submitted to the Work Experience Office.
Once you are Registered:
- Complete a monthly time sheet and return to the Work Experience Office.
- Complete an employer evaluation and student self evaluation for every 125 hours worked.
- Stay in touch with Mr. Klein about any concerns or changes in your employment.
How do I earn credits?
- Students can earn anywhere from 3 to 10 credits in one work site or on one skill-set. Credits are based on time worked and each credit requires 25 hours of work.
- For (for example, 5 credits will require 125 hours of work, 6 credits- 150 hours, and so on) the minimum number of credits that can be issued in Work Experience is 3. Evaluations must also be done regularly in order for Work Experience course marks to be calculated.
Work Experience 15 | 3 - 10 High School Credits
Work Experience 25 | 3 - 10 High School Credits
Work Experience 35 | 3 - 10 High School Credits
Can I use the same job for all 30 credits?
- See answer to next question below.
Do I have to quit my job after 10 credits and get a new one to continue earning Work Experience Credits?
- No, you do not necessarily need to, but in order to meet Alberta Education curricular requirements you must have a new learning plan in place for your second 10 credits. The new Learning Plan should include new goals and new skills being developed. This can involve higher level skills within the same job description or a move to a new position within the same organization. If no new skills or positions are possible with the current employer then yes, it may be necessary to move to a new employer/position in order to continue in Work Experience.
Is there a time limit of when the credits must be completed?
- No. Students' work schedules vary from one student to another and therefore students earn work experience credits on an individual basis. For example, if a student works 10 hours a week, that student will probably earn 10 credits in about 6 or 7 months. It may take another student less time, or more time.
Can I use more than one job for Work Experience?
- Yes. The more variety in job experiences, the more likely that students can earn the maximum number of Work Experience credits (30) and along with that, the White Cord . Students can also use two jobs at one time. The student just needs two different employer contracts in place at the same time.
What are the advantages of being in Work Experience?
- 15 credits may be used towards earning a high school diploma
- Increased academic average which can help with post secondary applications and scholarships
- Knowledge, skills, and attributes gained in the workplace are lifelong
- Students can continue to work without having to alter their timetables
- A good employment experience and positive employer evaluations can build your resume and portfolio
- WCB insurance provided for all work experience students through Alberta Education
Can I use a job in the summer for Work Experience?
- Yes. Students have 4 summers for work experience - the summer after grade 9, 10, and 11, and even the summer after grade 12 is possible if the student wishes to complete a set of credits.
Can I use more than one job to earn credits?
- Yes, many students have more than one part-time position, or have a completely different job for the summer months. This will ensure no problems with the different skill-set requirements for each 10 credits. Make sure separate Employer contracts are in place for each of the positions and that proper notice and evaluations are completed before leaving any position.
Can volunteer work be considered Work Experience?
- Yes, the same criteria are used. Students often combine a paying job with volunteer work. There must also be a regular supervisor within the Volunteer organization that will be responsible for doing student evaluations.
Can volunteer hours be combined
- Yes, the volunteer hours can be accumulated over three years.
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
RAP is for students beginning accredited apprenticeship positions in the trades while still in high school.
RAP is an opportunity for a focused student to get a jump start on a career in the trades through building their skill-set and accumulating hours towards their bluebook. Most trades take approximately 1400 hours to advance a level. This program allows young people the chance to start to accumulate those hours needed to complete their year one or two of their apprenticeships. There are over 50 certified trades in Alberta that students can apprentice in and every hour can count.
Apprenticeship:
- The process of becoming qualified as a tradesperson. Your employer agrees to train you and you agree to work for your employer. The "Blue Book" is used to document your hours. You keep track of your hours and training, and report these hours to Apprenticeship and Industry Training, as well as, the school. For certification, classroom training at technical institutes, or colleges is also a part of this process. You must accumulate a specific number of hours in your "Blue Book" before you are eligible to take the next level of education required for certification.
A RAP student needs to be on track to graduate! It is recommended that a student complete the full CTS program of the trade they are interested in if it is offered at their school (Carpentry, Mechanics, Welding, etc.). Any of our CTS programs are looked upon favourably by the industry and can help facilitate a career placement. Students are welcome to look for their own jobs accessing their own contacts. However, occasionally the industry does look to the school for candidates for this program. When this happens students that are recommended need to be in good standing at school, and their attitude and a teacher reference may be considered before they are put forward.
Journeyman:
- A fully qualified tradesperson who successfully completed his of her apprenticeship, including a specific number of work hours and classroom courses. It is a journeyman who will train apprentices in their trade.
If a student is accepted into RAP, the school coordinator will assist in bridging the gap between school and the industry to help you determine a schedule that will facilitate success. This program is all about hours and the experience. The sooner you can find a job placement the sooner you can start learning. In the trades you learn to do by doing and that is what RAP does for you!
The student may work as an intern in the trade and can complete 125 hours (5 credits). As an intern, there is no obligation of pay from the employer. After the 125 hour internship, the employer can decide whether they want to indenture the student. This means that the employer will keep the student on and begin to count their hours toward their fist year apprenticeship. Once the student is indentured, the employer must agree to pay the student at least minimum wage while he or she works for them. This is the point in the program when the student will apply to Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training for their Apprenticeship "blue book". Student will log their hour so that by the time they are done Grade 12, they have completed their minimum goal of 1000 hours towards the first year of their Apprenticeship.
Blue Book:
- A very important log-book in which the apprentice keeps track of his of her hours in the trade, periodically showing the book to Apprenticeship and Industry Training as proof of hours. A certain number of hours must be accumulated before the apprentice is able to take the next level of courses required for certification.
The school coordinator monitors RAP students through work site visits and provides feedback and evaluation forms throughout the process. RAP is a wonderful opportunity for student who know their career path to get a jump start in the trades as well as a great opportunity for hardworking students to try different trades and hopefully find a good fit for them.
RAP Checklist (to do's)
- find a work location that has a journeyman working in the trade you are interested in
- obtain, complete, and return a contract with a duty sheet
- complete and pass (minimum of 50% required) the pre-requisite HCS 3000 online safety course
- submit signed timesheets monthly during the school year and in September for the summer months
- meet with the coordinator after the first 125 hours worked to discuss and determine if you are a good candidate for the program
- hand in evaluations (employer forms and student forms) after every 125 hours worked. It is the students' responsibility to ensure the completion of these forms. The evaluation forms are used to generate the majority of the course grade
- if you are in grade 12, your final timesheet and evaluation forms need to be handed in by the last day of regularly scheduled classes in June
- stay in contact with the school coordinator on a regular basis to update them on any changes to your employment status, such as: new job skills, new duties, workplace issues or problems, or any changes to your original registration information
Green Certificate - for students working towards the Alberta Green Certificate Accreditation
This is an apprentice style program where participants learn through actively performing required skills in their specialization. Students learn on the job, under the direction of experienced farm personnel and under the supervision and administration of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and Alberta Education.
The Green Certificate Program consists of eleven specializations: Beekeeping Technician, Cow-Calf Beef Technician, Dairy Technician, Equine Technician, Feedlot Technician, Field Crop Technician,, Greenhouse Technician, Irrigated Crop Technician, Poultry Technician, Sheep Technician, and Swine Technician
Students complete three courses in a specialization and are assessed by a certified tester at a regional certification testing event. Students can earn 16 credits in a specialization. Students can take all three years of high school to complete the Green Certificate Program.
Green Certificate Checklist (to do's)
- find a trainer (employer) that operates a farming operation in your area of specialization
- complete and pass (minimum of 50% required) the pre-requisite HCS 3000 online safety course and AGR 3000
- stay in contact with the school coordinator on a regular basis
Contact
| Have questions about Work Experience, RAP or Green Certificate? | |
| Off Campus Coordinator Darren Klein Cell: 403 581 4851 darren.klein@sd76.ab.ca | Work Experience Office Denise Yates Office: 403 527 3371 ext. 7165 denise.yates@sd76.ab.ca |
Dual Credit
What is Dual Credit?
- Students earn credits in both High School and Post-Secondary at the same time.
- Students can take regular post-secondary courses while enrolled in high school.
- MHPSD is partnered with SAIT, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Olds College and Medicine Hat College to provide these valuable opportunities.
Benefits of the Dual Credit Program
- Students earn 5 – 30 level high school credits and 3 post-secondary credits upon successful completion of each course.
- Complete/explore post-secondary courses while still in high school.
- Ease the transition from high school to post-secondary by completing required courses for your post-secondary program.
- Tuition fees are paid for by Medicine Hat Public School Division.
- Successfully completing a post-secondary course in high school helps build an application/resume to competitive post-secondary programs.
Student Responsibilities
- Students are required to be mature learners.
- Commit to approximately 5 hours per week to be successful.
- Purchase required textbooks and other materials that are required.
- Students are required to use their MHPSD email to communicate regularly with the post-secondary institution and Dual credit liaison. Students need to check their email accounts frequently.
Delivery of Dual Credit Courses
- Asynchronous – work on the course any time of day, however, students must keep up with the class schedules and deadlines.
- Synchronous – meet with your professor and classmates online at set times.
Important Information
- Students are treated as adult learners and have the same expectations as post-secondary students.
- Learning outcomes are the same for high school students as they are for post-secondary students.
- Students may not have the opportunity to redo exams, quizzes, or assignments.
- Late assignments are not accepted.
- The course grade on your post-secondary transcript is permanent.
- Students need to balance their dual credit coursework with their high school coursework.
- Some courses have prerequisites.
Applying for Dual Credit Courses
- Students interested in Dual Credit courses should speak with their academic advisor to determine if Dual Credit is for you.
- Prior to registering make sure you:
- have the required prerequisite
- have a block of time in your schedule dedicated to the course.
- are committed to completing the course as courses require a major commitment on behalf of the student, the parent, the high school, and the post-secondary institution.
- If the student is recommended, the Dual credit liaison will contact the student and parent to review expectations of the program and the student will be registered.
WINTER (2nd) Semester 2024/2025 Program Guide
Provides detailed information about the dual credit options available. Please review the program guide carefully to determine if dual credit is the right fit.
2024/2025 Semester 2 Application Form
To be completed and submitted by Nov 15, 2024 if you would like to participate.
| Have questions about Dual Credit? |
| Kelly Pitman, Off Campus Education Coordinator launch@sd76.ab.ca |