Youth WORK in Trades

Work_InTrades_ColourThe Industry Training Authority’s (ITA) Youth WORK in Trades program allows students to start their apprenticeship while still in high school. They earn graduation credit and log apprenticeship training hours at the same time. Students can be signed up anytime during the school year.

You might already be eligible to sign up as a Youth WORK apprentice. If you are a high school student with paid part-time employment in a trade, you may be a “hidden apprentice”. Talk to your school’s Youth WORK contact about the kind of work that qualifies, and about registering as a Youth WORK in Trades apprentice.

  • earn 16 elective credits towards graduation (equals 4 courses)
  • acquire skills employers want
  • get a head start on your career
  • use 480 paid work hours towards your apprenticeship
  • have a seamless transition from school to work
  • become eligible for a $1000 Award

Requirements

To be considered for the Youth WORK in Trades Apprenticeship Program, students must:

  • have parent or guardian permission
  • be 15 years of age or older
  • be enrolled in grade 10, 11, or 12
  • have paid work in an apprenticeable trade
  • have a Certified Tradesperson as a sponsor
  • provide your own transportation

$1000 Award Criteria

Students who are eligible for the Youth Work in Trades Award will automatically be considered. There is no need to apply. To be eligible, students must have:

  • Been registered with the Industry Training Authority as a Youth Apprentice
  • Graduated with a Grade 12 Dogwood Diploma or Adult Dogwood
  • Successfully completed WRK 11A, WRK 11B, WRK 12A, and WRK 12B
  • Maintained a C+ average or better on Grade 12 numbered courses *
  • Reported a total of at least 900 hours to the ITA by December 31 of the school year the student turns 19 **

* Note: A student’s graduation transcript only includes the courses the student passes. The Youth Work in Trades Award uses all Grade 12 numbered courses in the calculation of the grade point average.

** To be eligible for a Youth Work in Trades Award, a student must complete 900 hours of work-based training by December 31 of the school year the student turns 19. The December 31 date ensures the awards will be ready for distribution during that school year. In some cases, students are unable to complete the required hours by December 31 due to circumstances beyond their control. To accommodate these students, a second cycle to verify work-based hours occurs in early September of the following school year. Those school-aged students who met the eligibility criteria on or before June 30, but were unable to complete or report their hours to the ITA by December 31, can still receive the award if they accrue the required work-based hours by August 31. Awards for these students will be processed and distributed in October.

Getting Started

Complete this Youth WORK in Trades form so we can contact you