Calgary students who are looking to begin a career in the electrical trades have something to be excited about this fall.

EducationMatters is pleased to announce that RBC is expanding its commitment to creating meaningful work experience opportunities for students. This year, thanks to RBC’s support, dual-credit programming in the Calgary Board of Education will grow to include the electrical trades.

Dual-credit programming is an innovative approach to education which allows students to earn high school credit while completing industry certified work experience. The Dual-Credit Pre-Apprentice Electrician Program is two semesters in length and, after completing the program, students are eligible to write their first-period apprenticeship exams through Alberta Industry Training. Students will also earn a pre-apprenticeship electrician certification through the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

There has been a growing demand among high school students in Calgary to offer dual-credit programming in the electrical trades. However, for many students, the costs to get started in the skilled trades can be prohibitive. The need for training, tools, and protective equipment can prevent some students from beginning a meaningful and rewarding career.

RBC’s generosity will help cover the costs associated with pre-apprenticeship electrician training by ensuring that costs for tools, protective gear, textbooks, and instructors are not passed on to students who are unable to afford them. RBC’s support will also help to cover the costs of transportation, ensuring that students are able to safely get to the program’s training sites on a consistent basis.

“The program helps support students as they transition from school to their careers,” says Bradey Thompson, a specialist with the Calgary Board of Education. “They benefit from learning at SAIT’s world-class facilities, while receiving guidance from both high school teachers and trades instructors.”

Dual-credit programming offers a unique opportunity for students to begin their career while still completing high school. Graduates from the program are well-positioned to gain meaningful employment out of high school and are often hired in apprentice roles, which pay high wages and offer plenty of opportunities for growth.

RBC has been an EducationMatters partner since 2004 and we thank them for their continued commitment to success for Calgary students. This year’s support is helping students across our city develop their skills, gain meaningful employment, and draw connections between their education and their career.