Off-campus education provides opportunities for some high school students to explore, engage and experience a variety of occupations. Through these opportunities, schools and the community combine resources to further students’ career development, employability skills and possibly earn credentials toward a career pathway. These experiences help students make informed decisions about education, training and employment when they complete high school.
High School Opportunities
- RVS’ Building Futures (Grade 10)
- RVS’ Mechanics Training Centre
- Dual Credit Courses
- Off-Campus Education provides students with work-integrated learning experiences, such as internships, registered apprenticeship programs, green certificates or work experience.
- The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) High School Trades Programs (more information below)
The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) High School Trades Programs
Summer Program Options
Applications for summer programs will open in April 2025. Review the information below for details and registration for each Summer Construction Trades Program. Check back for updates to program offerings.
Program Description
Do you like working with your hands and fixing things? This two-week summer course might be perfect for you. In partnership with TEPF and Boilermakers Local 146, students can participate in a free one-semester program to explore hands-on training within authentic industry settings. This is a pre-employment program taught by highly qualified, experienced journeyperson instructors to prepare you to work on boilermaker job sites. Successful graduates of the program are paving their way to becoming successful apprentices as boilermakers.
Students Learn
- How to recognize and use essential pipefitting tools and equipment
- How to identify various boiler components
- Basics of pipe fabrication
- Techniques for cutting and fitting gaskets
- Metal preparation
- Welding techniques
- Industry safety practices
- More detail about various career options within the industry
Students Earn
Industry-recognized credentials in:
- Fall protection
- Aerial Work Platform (Elevated Platform)
- First Aid
Program Benefits
- Experience industry training and get a head start on the students’ career pathways while still in high school
- Earn high school credits and industry safety credentials
- Learn from experienced journeyperson instructors who are connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Learn about ongoing opportunities and potential employment opportunities, including possible opportunities in red seal trades such as boilermaker and welder
- Build confidence through hands-on learning strategies and develop skills that support your learning and future career transitions
- Learn hands-on problem-solving, attention to detail and collaboration skills.
- Successful program graduates may have an opportunity for employment with Lodge 146
Student Eligibility
Open to high school students who are:
- In Grades 11 or 12 during the program (minimum 17 years of age)
- Able to lift 50lbs (22.68kg)
- Interested in exploring a pathway in the boilermaker industry
- Mature, punctual and reliable, as this is an industry setting
- Able to commit to the duration of the program (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.)
- Detail-oriented, confident in basic math and problem-solving.
- Excited about taking relevant industry training.
Prerequisites
- Students must complete HCS3000, HCS3010 and Construction Safety Training Systems (CSTS2020)
- Parent must be able to provide/arrange transportation to the Boilermakers Apprenticeship and Mechanical Training Centre for the duration of the program
- CSA-approved steel-toed boots
- Attend an Apprenticeship Recruitment Information Seminar with Lodge 146. Details will be communicated to applicants
Location
Boilermakers Apprenticeship and Mechanical Training Centre
11055 48 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2C 1G8
Application Process
Apply directly through your school by contacting your guidance counselor or administrator.
Important Dates
- Application deadline TBD
- July 7–18
- Monday–Friday
- 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Partners
- Boilermakers Lodge 146
- TEPF
Program Description
Are you the hands-on type who enjoys bringing ideas to life through building and creating? If so, this course might be a great fit for you. Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures all around you. In partnership with TEPF and Alberta Carpenters Training Centre, students can participate in a free one-semester program to explore this unique introduction to the Carpentry trade. The program is structured to provide hands-on learning experiences in an industry setting, with a focus on practical applications and safety awareness. Students will not just gain foundational skills, safety practices and knowledge, but also pave their way to becoming successful apprentices in carpentry or scaffolding.
Students Learn
- How to measure, cut and assemble wood with accuracy and finesse
- Recognizing and using essential tools like saws, hammers and drills
- The intricacies of framing, finishing and detailing
- The critical role that scaffolds play in providing safe and efficient access to elevated work areas
- Safety regulations
- Proper scaffolding assembly techniques
Students Earn
Industry-recognized credentials in:
- Fall protection
- Aerial Work Platform (Elevated Platform)
- First Aid
Program Benefits
- Hands-on industry training and a head start on the students' career pathways while still in high school
- Earn high school credits and industry safety credentials
- Taught by experienced journeyperson instructors who are connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support your learning transitions
- Learn about ongoing opportunities and potential employment opportunities
- Skills and attributes
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support transitions
- Learn hands-on problem-solving, attention to detail and collaboration skills
Student Eligibility
Open to all RVS students who are:
- In Grades 11 or 12 during the program (16 years of age or older)
- Able to lift 50lbs (22.68kg)
- Interested in exploring a pathway in carpentry
- Mature, punctual and reliable, as this is an industry setting
- Able to commit to the duration of the program (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.)
- Excited about taking relevant industry training
Prerequisites
- Students must complete HCS3000, HCS3010 and Construction Safety Training Systems (CSTS2020)
- Parent must be able to provide/arrange transportation to the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre for the duration of the program at the assigned time
- CSA-approved steel-toed boots
Location
Alberta Carpenters Training Centre
#10, 1305 - 33 Street NE
Calgary, AB T2A 5P1
Application Process
Apply directly through your school by contacting your guidance counselor or administrator.
Important Dates
- Application deadline TBD
- July 2025
- Monday–Friday
- 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Partners
- UBC Built Canadian District
- TEPF
Program Description
In partnership with TEPF, the Electrical Industry Training Centre and Local 424, students can participate in a free summer program to explore the electrical trades. Students will learn from industry professionals and trainers from Local 424 to prepare for a future career in this trade. Red Seal Journeyperson instructors provide training in an industry setting.
Students Learn
- Core principles of electricity, including the concepts of voltage, current, resistance and power
- How to recognize and use essential tools and equipment, such as multimeters, wire strippers and current testers
- Proper grounding and handling of live wires
- Industry safety practices
- Hands-on experience in wiring circuits, installing outlets, switches and light fixtures
- How to read electrical blueprints and schematics to understand and follow wiring diagrams
Students Earn
Industry-recognized credentials in:
- Fall Protection
- Aerial Work Platform (Elevated platform)
- First Aid
Program Benefits
- Hands-on industry training and a head start on a career pathway while still in high school
- Earn credits towards completion of an Alberta High School Diploma; earn industry training credentials
- Taught by experienced journeyperson instructors who are connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that apply to the industry: hands-on problem-solving, attention to detail and collaboration
- Students will gain theoretical and practical application of safety awareness and workplace competencies
- Learn about ongoing opportunities and potential employment opportunities
Student Eligibility
Open to all RVS high school students who are:
- A minimum of 16 years old
- Mature, punctual and reliable with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Able to attend the duration of the program (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Prerequisites
- Students must complete HCS3000, HCS3010 and Construction Safety Training Systems (CSTS2020)
- Parent must be able to provide/arrange transportation to the Electrical Industry Training Centre for the duration of the program at the assigned time
- CSA-approved steel-toed boots
Location
The Electrical Industry Training Centre – IBEW Local 424
#200, 3623 – 29 Street NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 5W4
Application Process
Apply directly through your school by contacting your guidance counselor or administrator.
Important Dates
- Application deadline TBD
- July 2025
- Monday–Friday
- 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Partners
- Electrical Industry Training Centre and Local 424
- TEPF
Program Description
Do you like to explore heights and work with strong materials like structural iron and steel? Imagine yourself as an ironworker, a skilled professional who brings immense structures to life with precision and expertise. In partnership with TEPF and the International Associates of Bridge Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers Local 725, students can participate in a free one-semester program to explore the world of ironworking. Join us in this unique hands-on course taught by experienced journeyperson instructors, where you'll gain valuable skills in various aspects of the ironworking trades including structural and reinforcing (tying rebar) and developing welding skills.
Students Learn
- How to recognize and use essential tools used in ironworking, such as welding equipment, cranes, hoists and cutting tools
- Industry safety practices
- How to read blueprints, drawings and specifications
- Various metal fabrication techniques, including cutting, welding, bending and shaping metal pieces to create structural components like beams, columns and trusses
- Hands-on experience in assembling, erecting and installing structural steel components on construction sites
- Proper rigging and hoisting methods, bolt-tightening procedures and alignment techniques
Students Earn
Industry-recognized credentials in:
- Fall protection
- Aerial Work Platform (Elevated Platform)
- Telehandler
Program Benefits
- Experience industry training and get a head start on the students' career pathways while still in high school
- Earn high school credits and industry safety credentials
- Learn from experienced journeyperson instructors who are connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support your learning transitions
- Engage in hands-on learning experiences in an industry setting, with a focus on practical applications and safety awareness
- Learn about ongoing opportunities and potential employment prospects, including possible apprenticeship opportunities in red seal skilled trades, such as Ironworker Structural and Ironworker Reinforcing
- Learn hands-on problem-solving, attention to detail and collaboration skills
Student Eligibility
Open to high school students who are:
- In Grades 11 or 12 during the program (minimum 16 years old)
- Interested in exploring a pathway in the ironworker industry
- Mature, punctual and reliable, as this is an industry setting
- Able to commit to the duration of the program (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 pm)
- Excited about taking relevant industry training
- Determined, strong and a have good attitude
Prerequisites
- Students must complete HCS3000, HCS3010 and Construction Safety Training Systems (CSTS2020)
- Parent must be able to provide/arrange transportation to The Piping Industry Training School for the duration of the program at the assigned time
- CSA-approved steel-toed boots
Location
Local 725 Training School
6111 36 Street S.E.
Calgary AB T2C 3W2
Application Process
Apply directly through your school by contacting your guidance counselor or administrator.
Important Dates
- Application deadline TBD
- July 2025
- Monday–Friday
- 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Partners
- International Associates of Bridge Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers Local 725
- TEPF
Program Description
Do you enjoy turning an idea into reality through practical work? If so, step into the world of pipe trades where blueprints, specifications and building codes guide the installation of vital piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals or fuel. In partnership with TEPF and Piping Industry Training School Local 496, students can participate in a free one-semester program to explore immersive hands-on training in authentic industry environments. The programs are taught by experienced journeyperson instructors connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways.
Students Learn
- How to recognize and use essential pipefitting tools and equipment
- Welding techniques
- Industry safety practices
- More detail about various career options within plumbing, steam fitting, sprinkler fitting and gas fitting.
Students Earn
Industry-recognized credentials in:
- Fall protection
- Aerial Work Platform (Elevated Platform)
Program Benefits
- Experience industry training and get a head start on the students' career pathways while still in high school
- Earn high school credits and industry safety credentials
- Build connections for potential work placements
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support transitions
- Learn hands-on problem-solving, attention to detail and collaboration skills
- Learn skills in the high-demand trades of plumbing, steam fitting, pipefitting, gas fitting, B-pressure welding and sprinkler systems installation
- Learn about ongoing opportunities and potential employment prospects, including possible apprenticeship opportunities in red seal skilled trades, such as plumber, steamfitter/pipefitter, gasfitter and sprinkler systems installer sprinkler fitter
Student Eligibility
Open to high school students who are:
- In Grades 11 or 12 during the program (minimum 16 years old)
- Mature, punctual and reliable, as this is an industry setting.
- Able to commit for the duration of the program (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.)
- Have a strong interest in exploring a pathway in pipe trades
- Are excited about taking relevant industry training
Prerequisites
- Students must complete HCS3000, HCS3010 and Construction Safety Training Systems (CSTS2020)
- Parent must be able to provide/arrange transportation to The Piping Industry Training School for the duration of the program at the assigned time
- CSA-approved steel-toed boots
Location
The Piping Industry Training School – Local 496
5649 Burbank Road SE
Calgary, AB T2H 1Z5
Application Process
Apply directly through your school by contacting your guidance counselor or administrator.
Important Dates
- Application deadline TBD
- July 2025
- Monday–Friday
- 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Partners
- Piping Industry Training School
- TEPF