On-the-Job Learning
A flexible way for students to gain invaluable experience learning new skills and abilities. Students can attend classes and earn credits while working or volunteering during school, evenings, or weekends.
Career Pathways
But first, what's the difference between Work Experience and the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?
Work Experience can be an "On" or "Off" campus student placement, and RAP is off-campus only. The main difference is that RAP students are working under an appropriately certified Journeyman. For example: if you're working for car dealership with a certified Journeyman Automotive Technician, and you've applied to AIT, then your time can earn you up to 40 RAP credits. See the list of skilled trades available for RAP students. Easy to read information on: Trades in Alberta PDF.
IMPORTANT: these programs are a “request” for employer participation and not an obligation.
Pathway Options
(Off-Campus) Work Experience or RAP for students with a job placement.
- Complete HCS3000, a prerequisite online safety course. Details at the bottom of this page.
- Complete a contract, have it signed, and start collecting hours on time-sheets for school credits.
Required Employer Information for your contract
You will need the following information for a Work Experience / RAP contract which I will help you fill out.
- Supervisor’s first and last name (this is the person who will sign your time-sheets)
- Supervisor’s email for teacher contact, and student evaluations (especially if they're busy)
- Supervisor’s telephone number (I will contact them to schedule a required work-site registration)
- Business’s mailing address which is required for the OCA (contract)
- If you need first aid, who do you go to and what is their first and last name? Do they have their first aid certificate?
When you have completed your safety course(s) and you can answer the employer information, visit the Work Experience office to fill-out a contract.
(On-Campus) Work Experience for students with a teacher supervisor.
- Complete HCS3000, a prerequisite online safety course. Details at the bottom of this page.
- Complete a contract, have it signed, and start collecting hours on time-sheets for school credits.
- Visit the Work Experience office for help in completing your contract.
Work Experience & Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
Work Experience 15 / 25 / 35 - up to 30 credits
Work experience allows students to gain practical knowledge, enhance their skills, confirm career decisions, and form attitudes that will assist them in their transitions from school to the world of work. Students in Grade 10, 11 and 12 can enroll. The prerequisite course HCS3000 (Workplace Safety Systems) must be completed before any off-campus education credits will be awarded. Existing part-time jobs may be eligible as a work experience placement provided the student can demonstrate new learning is occurring.
Prerequisite: HCS 3000
Work Experience Requirements
Students are responsible for finding and securing a job within Calgary. If you are not working or volunteering, consider the following steps to help you get prepared.
Have you researched a potential career / business? To research a career, start with ALIS to help you determine job outlook, average wage, duties and responsibilities, etc…
For example: what do you know about a business, its location, are they currently hiring, what are their job requirements, and transportation – how will you get there?
Do you have an up-to-date résumé? Are you familiar with your résumé? Can you elaborate if an employer were to ask you specific questions? Click on résumé checklists.
Need help with your resume or cover letter? Are you nervous about a job interview? Ask Mr. Shirley for help or practice with job interview questions.
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) - up to 40 credits
The Registered Apprenticeship Program is an excellent opportunity for students who know they want to enter a trade to “earn while you learn.” This program usually begins during the summer after Grade 10. The student selects a trade and is placed into a 125-hour work experience (5 credits) which serves as a probationary period. Successful students are then indentured and can earn up to 40 Registered Apprentice credits toward graduation. The student’s timetable is adjusted to accommodate the RAP program. By graduation the student can have completed the hours needed for the first year of an apprenticeship and be ready to apply for the training weeks at a post-secondary institution.
Prerequisite: HCS3000
Applying for your Blue Book
Here is the link to apply (online only) for your Apprenticeship and Industry Training blue book: http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/mytradesecrets/applying-for-ait-programs-and-services-online/. You may wish to review the following information before applying, but I would recommend applying for your blue book as soon as possible. Be sure your employer has an appropriately certified Journeyman who is willing to train you for apprenticeship hours toward 1st year.
Alberta Education Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Online Safety Courses
HCS3000 (Workplace Systems)
AGR3000 (Agriculture - Farming)
HCS3010 (Workplace Practices)
CSTS (Construction Safety Training System)
Forest Lawn High School
Allow 1-2 days for program access
Complete online safety courses anywhere - anytime!
Due date for each online course is 2 weeks from the date you received your activation code. Each online course is worth (1) 30 level credit, with a grade of 50% or better. You will received an activation code by email from bistrainer (Job Safety Skills Society). If this has not happened yet, please reply to this email and I will re-send it.
- If you need more time please provide me with a brief update on how you’re doing, and request a time extension.
All students are required to complete HCS3000 (1 credit), however you can complete all 4 if you wish, for extra credit. Course format is a slideshow style presentation, audio is optional, with practice (no marks) multiple choice quizzes, and (1) final exam.
- The final exam will determine your final grade for each course.
- The HCS3000 Exam must be completed in one sitting and cannot be saved part way through.
- Please be sure that you have enough time to start and finish before you begin. TIP: take a picture of your final grade before logging out!
Students are allowed 1 exam re-write; for a third attempt please contact me to ensure your readiness for this exam.
- An exam grade of 80% is recommended
- 70% is required for a certificate, and
- 50% or better for (1) credit.
If your exam result is less than 50%, review unit content and redo the practice quizzes as many times as you wish until your mark improves.
HCS3000 – Workplace Safety Systems
The prerequisite course for Alberta students wishing to participate in any off-campus education program or course except Green Certificate Program courses. HCS3000 includes the following units:
1. Introduction to Health and Safety, 2. Hazards, 3. Hazard Assessment and Control, 4. Incident Reporting and Investigation, 5. Job Safety and the Law, 6. WCB and You, 7. Employment Standards and Code and Regulations, 8. WHMIS, 9. Harassment and Bullying – Optional, 10. Mental Health and Wellness – Optional.
HCS3010 – Workplace Safety Practices
The recommended prerequisite course for Alberta students wishing to enroll in the Registered Apprenticeship Program. HCS3010 includes the following units:
1. Accidents, Incidents and Causation, 2. Hazards, 3. Hazard Assessment, Elimination and Control, 4. Fire Safety and Prevention, 5. Fire Detection and Response, 6. Electrical Safety, 7. Ladder Safety, 8. Confined Space, 9. WHMIS, 10. Musculoskeletal Injuries – Optional.
AGR3000 – Agriculture Safety
The prerequisite course for Alberta Students wishing to participate in Green Certificate program courses. AGR3000 includes the following units:
1. Hazards: What are They?, 2. Farm Hazards and Injuries, 3. Hazard Assessment and Control, 4. Safety on the Farm, 5. Fire Safety: What is Fire?, 6. Fire Safety: Types, REACT, PASS, 7. Fire Safety: Getting Out Alive, 8. Electrical Safety: Safety at Work, 9. Ladder Safety, 10. Confined Space Safety: Getting In and Out, 11. Confined Space Safety: Before Entering, 12. Hazardous Materials, 13. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 14. Ergonomics: Fitting the Workplace for you, 15. Emergency Response Planning, 16. Job Safety and the Law.
CSTS - Construction Safety Training System (HCS3950)
Construction Safety Training System is not part of SAIT but a requirement for attending your SAIT program. This course is designed for the individual worker and is offered only through eLearning. The training is divided into separate modules that can be completed at your own pace, and the full program takes on average five to six hours to complete. This course gives a basic overview of various health and safety topics, and students are tested for 100% mastery of content. This program has become a pre-entry requirement for many construction industry work sites. CSTS includes the following lessons:
Your Work Site and the Law, Employer/Employee Responsibilities, Training and Competency, Reporting Requirements, Fitness for Work, Fatigue Management, Back Care, Alcohol and Drug Guidelines, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Workplace Hazard Assessment, Field Level Hazard Assessment, Inspections, Investigations, Confined Spaces, Respiratory Hazards, WHMIS, Housekeeping, Environmental Factors, Safeguards, Emergency Response, First Aid, Fire Safety, Ladders and Scaffolding, Visibility and Traffic Control, Rigging and Hoisting, Excavating and Trenching, Defensive Driving, Fall Protection.
What's next?
After completing your online safety course(s), confirm with your Work Experience teacher to confirm course completion and that school credits are added to your transcript.
Do you need to complete any other safety course(s)?
Some job placements require more than one safety course, for instance:
Working at McDonald's or Bulk Barn requires HCS3000.
HCS3010 is recommended for students working as an apprentice in a hair salon or cook in a steak house.
Students working on a construction site are required to complete CSTS (Construction Safety Training System).
