New CO-OP Apprenticeship Program paves the way to certification in skilled trades

Jan 11, 2024 | 4:06 PM

A career in skilled trades is a great choice for today’s youth, offering healthy wages, flexibility, and job security.

That according to CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation, which says getting certified, however, can be a little trickier than other types of post-secondary education. In addition to periods of classroom instruction, officials say students must obtain work experience in the form of apprenticeship hours. Luckily for youth in central Alberta, organizers say a special program launching next month aims to make the process a whole lot easier.

Officials say the CAREERS Central Alberta CO-OP Apprenticeship program aims to support youth through their entire skilled trades certification journey. Officials say CAREERS, a non-profit organization, has partnered with central Alberta employers to offer students apprenticeship hours in a number of different skilled trades, while providing them with the appropriate amount of time to complete classroom instruction.

“Youth have enough to worry about while they’re going to school. They don’t need the stress of finding an employer and making sure they get enough apprenticeship hours. This program mitigates those concerns, providing them with a quality apprenticeship pathway and allowing them to keep their focus on learning,” says Tessa Jones, Regional Manager, CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation.

The program, completely free of charge, is designed for 18 to 21-year-olds interested in starting or continuing their skilled trade certification. Officials say local employers are eager to support this initiative and the challenge now, is making sure youth in the community don’t miss out.