The Co-op Apprenticeship Program is a community driven, education program. In order for the project to be successful, all stakeholders must bring a strong commitment to the table. Employers play a key role in creating the educational training positions. Students must work hard and apply themselves.

Co-op Apprenticeship Program Principles

This program is designed as a Learn and Earn approach toward enhancing the ability of recent high school graduates to transition into a career or continuing education.

The participating employers are the owners of this program.

The program%u2019s enrollment is based on the local needs of the Region.

Applicants will be reviewed and selected according to their indicated trade preference.

Participating employers approve the final selection of candidates for the program following completion of the recruiting process.

Successful candidates will be indentured only to the one with whom they are currently working.

The program will comply with all of the Alberta Apprenticeship Legislated Guidelines as administered by Alberta Advanced Education, Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Students will remain with their assigned employer for the complete term of the program and will attend technical training in their respective trade at a technical institute within the first 18 months of their program as designated by Alberta Advanced Education, Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

A performance evaluation will be conducted at the completion of each work term by the respective employer, as well as updating the Apprenticeship record book (blue book).

Students will complete their full term of the apprenticeship program at which time they will become eligible to receive their journeyman certification and will be released from the educational program.

Employers are permitted to make formal or informal offers of employment to participants anytime during the last year of the apprenticeship trade training period.

There are no guarantees of permanent employment upon achieving certification nor are there any obligations on the employers to permanent hiring.

While students are attending their technical training, they will not be compensated by the employer unless the employer chooses to do so.

Where employers do not normally supply small tools, students will be required to purchase the tools required for the trade.

The indenturing paperwork will be completed in the presence of all parties prior to the students entering the workplace.

Employers are expected to make a firm commitment to maintaining their educational positions over the term of the apprenticeship.

In the event of an employer not being able to carry the position due to lack of work, the CAREERS: The Next Generation Field Director will be notified and asked to find a temporary placement for the student within the ranks of the remaining employer participants. This is only to be used as an interim arrangement.

The employer group will actively work on broadening the employer base to ensure program growth for future years.

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Responsibilities of the Employers

To be a partner with other employer participants in the ownership of the program.
To create and maintain student co-op educational position(s) for the duration of the educational apprenticeship leading to journeyman certification.
To comply with all regulations of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Acts.
To promote the growth and sustainability of the participating employer base within both the private and public sector of the community.
To treat the student with the same dignity and respect accorded other employees in the workplace.
To complete a performance evaluation of the student apprentice at least once per year on the anniversary date of hire.
To work in concert with the other employers to create variations and options, which will optimize the performance of the program.
To assist CAREERS: The Next Generation in marketing the program to students, parents, and teachers at the Co-op Information Session held for prospective applicants.
To commit to the program principles and guidelines as set out in the implementation guide.
Participating employers agree to pay salary levels at the percentage of the journey rate of the employer as outlined in the trade regulations. Employers will provide Workers%u2019 Compensation premiums. Only statutory benefits will be paid as required by legislation.
Each employer will provide an on-site safety orientation prior to commencement of work.

Responsibilities of the Student

To ensure they perform to the best of their ability at all times.
To manage their attendance to the standards of the workplace.
To pay for their own tools as required at each workplace.
To commit to the rules and policies of the workplace when and where they are assigned.
Except where already provided, to provide for their own transportation to and from the workplace.
To comply with the regulations governing apprentices contained in the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act.
To commit to the program principles and guidelines as set out in this Guide.

Responsibilities of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training

Participate in the Co-op Apprenticeship Program by attending the information session and provide information to all parties on criteria for entering the trades.
Approve apprenticeship applications and register contracts of apprenticeship.
Monitor/evaluate on-the-job training with employers

Responsibilities of CAREERS: The Next Generation

Secretariat Role for the program by:
- preparing committee meeting agendas, setting venues, preparing and distributing minutes
- collaborating with the employers, developing marketing strategy
- promoting program and providing information as required.
Marketing of Program to Students and the Community by:
- advertising in the newspaper and through other media
- making special presentations to high schools
- making community presentations and special presentations to parents
- preparing mail-outs to students, employers and others.
Managing Student Selection Process (on behalf of the employers) by:
- conducting information sessions for all applicants
- receiving and managing applicant materials
- reviewing and verifying applicant eligibility; presenting qualified applicants to respective employers
- scheduling interviews
- confirming job offers and advising unsuccessful applicants
Record Keeping by:
- coordinating registrations of apprentices with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
- coordinating annual performance review and keeping records of same.

Applicant Eligibility Criteria

The program will be marketed to the regional schools.
Candidates must possess a Grade 12 Diploma or an Alberta post-secondary high school equivalency diploma.
Preference will be given to graduating students of Southeastern Alberta high schools within the last six years.
Applicants must submit the completed application package on or before the set deadline.
Candidates must successfully complete all steps in the selection process as outlined in the Student Selection and Screening Process.
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) students will be eligible to apply for articulation into this program when they complete their required training and high school diploma.

Student Selection and Screening Process

Application
- Candidates must satisfy the application requirements of Grade 12, completed application package and deadline.
Interview
- Participants must satisfy interview criteria based on employability skills.
Medical Exam
- Applicants who are accepted to this stage are required to present a physician%u2019s medical report before commencement of the program. An education placement offer of acceptance is contingent on results of the medical exam.