When Drew Yackimec walks the stage at his high school graduation in June, he'll also be just one week away from completing his first-year apprenticeship in heavy duty mechanics.
"I've known for a long time that I wanted to be a mechanic," said Yackimec, who attends J.A. Williams High School (JAWS) in Lac La Biche. "My dad did the RAP program and he suggested it to me."
RAP, the Registered Apprenticeship Program, allows high school students to begin an apprenticeship in the trades while earning credits toward high school graduation. Students learn on-the-job directly from certified tradespeople while gaining valuable work experience.
"RAP was great because I already have between 1,800 and 1,900 hours towards my trade, and I start classes at Lakeland College in second semester," explained Yackimec.
Because he knew early on that he wanted to participate in RAP, Yackimec and the JAWS staff were able to work together to build a schedule that supported his goals. He completed some Grade 11 courses in Grade 10, which freed up time in Grades 11 and 12 to focus on RAP. He attended school half days in Grade 11 and spent the rest of his days on the job site with Swamp Cats Ltd. This year, he has just one class to complete in first semester before starting classes at Lakeland College in February.
"I was able to fast-track my career," he said. "That was my plan for a long time. I'm fortunate that I knew what I wanted to do from a very young age."
Yackimec is one of over 30 NLPS high school students enrolled in RAP this year, a program that continues to grow as interest in trades careers expands. NLPS students are pursuing apprenticeships in heavy duty mechanics, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry.
Providing students with pathways into trades careers is a key part of Northern Lights Public Schools' commitment to enhancing learning opportunities for students in grades 7 to 12.
"The Registered Apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity for students to work towards certification while they are still in high school," said Karen Draycott, Director of Learning - Grades 7 to 12 Instructional Support. "We have more and more students interested in RAP and pursuing careers in the trades."
The new Northeast Alberta Collegiate Institute, a collaboration between NLPS, Lakeland Catholic, Conseil scolaire Centre-Est, St. Paul Education, and Portage College, will further enhance trades training opportunities for NLPS students. In February, high school students will have the opportunity to enroll in welding, electrical and heavy equipment technician programming being offered through the collegiate.
"This partnership will allow students to access hands-on trades training locally and begin building a strong pathway into their future careers," said Draycott.
More information:
Registered Apprenticeship Program
