Started in in 2005, The Frank Maddock High School Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), is celebrating ten years of of success this year. The RAP program allows high school students who are 16 years or older to learn the skills of a trade and work in the industry as they earn high school credits. The goal of this program is to help young people get into the world of work. Through a partnership between the school, student and employer. Students see what the world is like after school and what their working future can be.

This year Frank Maddock High School (FMHS) in Drayton Valley has twenty students registered for trades. Young men and women are currently earning credits, getting paid and gaining hours towards trades of their choice like; auto body, welding, heavy duty mechanics, locksmithing, power engineering and many more.

The success of the program is due to follow up and relationships, “I stay in contact with employers, students and parents throughout the program,” stated Clint Schwalbe, FMHS RAP Off-Campus Coordinator. “When you show enthusiasm for the work being done, students learn from that.”

Over the past ten years, Frank Maddock High School has developed strong relationships with many local businesses. Relationships with former students, parents and business all come together to help the students of today to succeed.

“Going through the RAP program has allowed me to be very comfortable stepping out of high school and into the workforce,” stated FMHS Graduate and current Heavy Duty Mechanic, Trey Westlund. “The course gave me lots of experience and the skills I needed to be successful.”

Working in this program gives students the possibility to earn up to 40 high school credits, 1,000+ hours towards their trade, access to scholarships and a flexible high school schedule. This program sees a high level of completion. However, if a student isn’t fulfilling their responsibilities, they can be fired. These jobs come with real world responsibilities and consequences which helps prepare students the for the work force.

The RAP program brings a variety of local partners and provincial partners together to benefit Drayton Valley students such as, CAREERS: The Next Generation, the Alberta Apprenticeship Program, Brazeau County, the Town of Drayton Valley and local employers. All of these parties work together to help and prepare students for employment.

At FMHS teachers and administration work together to ensure RAP students have flexible schedules and still achieve success academically. The completion rate of this program is extremely high. If employers do have a problem with a student, they work directly with them at the jobsite. Employers also contact the FmHS Off-Campus Coordinator who provides counseling, tips and advice for students to help them complete their terms.

This program helps students connect with their employers in a positive and beneficial way for both of them,” stated Schwalbe. “Responsibilities for the students and employer are clearly set out ahead of time so both parties can ensure they get what they need.”