To access the ITA Youth Programs Online Registration System, click here .


Overview

Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) is a career program that provides students with the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship while still in high school, and to earn high school credits for doing so.

It provides a smoother transition from school to work, and a quicker route to certification in a trade - and to the earning power that goes with it.  SSA students complete up to 480 hours of work experience that counts towards their apprenticeship and course credits. SSA youth apprentices must be 19 and under and complete their SSA work based training by 3 months past graduation.

Like other apprentices, Secondary School Apprentices are responsible for finding an employer who will hire them and commit to their training as a sponsor.

Note that it is possible for students to take part in both the Secondary School Apprenticeship and ACE IT program.

If you have an interest in a Secondary School Apprenticeship but are unsure of what type of trade you'd like to pursue, have a look at BC and Red Seal TRADES Programs. This section of our site outlines the wide variety of trades available in BC, and provides detailed information on each one.

Questions regarding Secondary School Apprenticeship can be directed to Glenn Rowan at the Ministry of Education at 250-952-6419 or glenn.rowan@gov.bc.ca


Hidden Apprentices

Secondary School Apprentiseships aren't just for students who are looking to enter the working world. You might already be eligible to be a secondary school apprentice and not know it.

If you are a high school student working part-time in a trade, you are probably a "hidden apprentice". By registering as a Secondary School Apprentice, you will be able to earn dual credit for the work you're already doing, become eligible for a $1,000 scholarship, and get a head start on earning your trade certification. Talk to your school's career counselor about the kind of work that qualifies, and about registering as a Secondary School Apprentice.


Secondary School Apprenticeship Scholarships

As an added bonus, secondary school apprentices can qualify for a $1,000 scholarship if they:

• been registered with the Industry Training Authority as a youth apprentice or youth trainee prior to graduation;
• graduated with a Grade 12 Dogwood Diploma or Adult Dogwood;
• successfully completed SSA 11A, SSA 11B, SSA 12A, and SSA 12B no later than three months after graduation;
• maintained a C+ average or better on all Grade 12 numbered courses;
• reported a minimum of 900 work-based training hours to the ITA within six months of secondary school graduation.
  

SSA scholarships are awarded to those SSA students who meet the eligibility criteria - there is no need to apply. All students with four SSA courses within three months of graduation are automatically considered for the award.

Employers and high school students can become involved by contacting the high school career programs department.

Questions regarding Secondary School Apprenticeship can be directed to Glenn Rowan at the Ministry of Education at 250-893-7498 or glenn.rowan@gov.bc.ca