APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The apprenticeship program is offered in secondary schools across British Columbia. Students in Grade 10 are prepared for Anchor Academy Apprenticeship through the school Career Counselor. There are over 150 current B.C. trades available.

Most students begin an apprenticeship once they have turned 15 and have satisfied the entry requirements.
Students in Grades 11 and 12 are registered once they have met the entry requirements.

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is work-based training combined with post-secondary education. Student apprentices spend about 80% of their time learning their craft on the job (under the direction of a highly skilled journey-person) and about 20% of their time learning in the classroom or at home.

What’s in it for me?

Depending when they start, students can be journey-persons by the time they are 21!

1. Earn money while you are learning valuable skills.
2. Acquire the skills that employers are looking for.
3. Get a head start in your career - apprenticeship students can be journey-persons by the time they are
    21.
4. Earn 16 credits toward your high school graduation, plus another 8 through Work Experience.
5. Gain valuable work experience.
6. Acquire valuable marketable skills valued by employers.
7. Be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.

How do I get here?

8. Research the trade areas that interest you using www.learnandearn.bc.ca and through your school
www.careercruising.com or similar web site.
9. Talk to your parents about your interest in the apprenticeship.
10. Contact your school’s Career Counselor for an application package.
11. You may be a “hidden apprentice” already working for someone in a trade.
12. Peruse the Industry Trade web site at www.itabc.ca/Youth-SSA.php
13. Must complete Planning 10 Work Safely module.
14. Download Apprenticeship and Sponsor Registration form at www.itabc.ca,
fill in and mail to Anchor Academy, Attention: Melanie Bartusek.

For further information:
Take a look at the exciting career options available for you in trades and technology. Check out the
options and request an Apprenticeship Forms package from Anchor Academy’s school Career Counselor,
Mrs. Melanie Bartusek (1-866-833-4098).

PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING TO ANCHOR ACADEMY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

1. Student makes an application
(Anchor Academy Apprenticeship Application Form available through Mrs. Melanie Bartusek, Career Coordinator (1-866- 833-4098)

2. Letter of Introduction The student making an application needs to write why he/she wants to become an apprentice. In this autobiography, he/she will explain what has been done in the past regarding the experiences that might relate to the apprenticeship sought. Students
would include what jobs, if any, or related experience they have performed in the past. Students should submit at least 2 references from a teacher, employer, or some other person that could attest to the applicant’s work ethic and motivation. The length of this introduction should be approximately 1 typed/word processed page. Students making application must also
supply a current resume and cover letter.

3. A Tentative Timetable for Grade 11 and 12 All students who are taking part in the Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) must also be taking a High School Graduation Program. It is strongly recommended, for most trades, that math and science courses form a strong part of the student’s academic program here at the Academy. It is also recommended that students prepare to take off one semester, usually in grade 12 year, in order to work full time on their apprenticeship. A meeting with the academic counselors will be required.

Please Note: 16 units of credit will be given as the student works through successful completion of the program. (SSA 11A, SSA 11B, SSA 12A, and SSA 12B) Therefore, SSA students DO NOT lose out on graduation requirements and WILL GRADUATE ON TIME WITH THEIR PEERS!

Once the student has found an employer, he / she will be registered as an Apprentice with the Ministry of Advanced Education. The Career Counselor at Anchor Academy will be responsible for the student’s work evaluation records and assigning high school credit.

4. What type of student should apply for an apprenticeship?
A highly motivated person - a person who knows what he/she wants to be and is willing to work very hard to achieve
the chosen goal.
A good student ( C average or better is recommended). Good Math skills are important.
A person who can manage his/her time well. The work load at school together with the requirements of an
apprenticeship and just being a young person, requires balance in order to achieve desired aspirations.

5. Secondary School Apprenticeship Scholarship This $1000 scholarship is available to Secondary School Apprentices (SSA) for sustained and exceptional work as an apprentice. The money is intended to assist the apprentice with the purchase of tools, equipment, materials, or tuition
necessary to continue in his/her trade.
To be eligible for SSA scholarships, ITA registered apprentices/trainees must have:
been registered in a Secondary School Apprenticeship Program.
graduated with a grade 12 Dogwood Diploma or Adult Dogwood.

successfully completed SSA 11A, SSA 11B, SSA 12A, and SSA 12B.
maintained a C+ average or better on grade 12 numbered courses.
continued working or training full-time in the trade six months after secondary school graduation.
$1000 PROVINCIAL SCHOLARSHIP Congratulations to our Anchor Academy Secondary School

Apprenticeship Scholarship recipient, Justin Byjork. He lives in Vanderhoof, BC and began his apprenticeship with Anchor Academy’s DL Program on June 30, 2005. His apprenticeship as an electrician began by applying to the program, finding an employer willing to apprenticeship him and then working hours around his school schedule. Justin graduated with his Dogwood and continued to work as an electrician apprenticeship in his home town. While in school, Justin earned 24 elective credits with Anchor Academy’s apprenticeship program. Six months after graduating, Justin applied and received the $1000 scholarship. We, at Anchor Academy, are very proud of Justin’s workmanship, tenacity and excellence in a job well done.