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Apprenticeship and Trades

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Industry Training Authority (ITA), offers apprenticeship training programs for high school students. Students have the option to enrol in both programs, both of which earn credit towards graduation.

Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA)

The Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) is a work-based training program, which is skill development through practical, hands-on experiences.  Students enrolled in SSA courses concurrently work and attend high school.  SSA students formally register with the ITA as Youth Apprentices.  Successfully completing the program earns students 16 credits towards graduation, and may qualify them to apply for a $1000 scholarship. 

The SSA Scholarship, a $1000 cash award, is available to SSA students for sustained and exceptional work as an apprentice. The funds are intended to assist apprentices with the purchase of tools, equipment, materials, or post-secondary tuition.

Scholarship Criteria:

To be eligible to apply for the SSA scholarship, an Industry Training Authority (ITA)-registered youth apprentice must have:

  • been registered in a school district Secondary School Apprenticehip Program prior to graduation
  • graduated with a Grade 12 Dogwood Diploma or Adult Dogwood
  • successfully completed SSA 11A, SSA 11B, SSA 12A, and SSA 12B
  • maintained a C+ average or better on Grade 12 numbered courses
  • continued working or training full-time in the trade 5 months after secondary school graduation or have 1100 hours reported to the ITA.

Apply for the SSA Scholarship

    Q & A’s - Seconday School Apprenticeship (SSA)

ACE IT (Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training)

The Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training (ACE IT) program is the in-class component of a high school apprenticeship.  ACE IT programs are usually offered as partnerships between school districts and post-secondary institutions.  Students who successfully complete the ACE IT program earn credit towards both high school graduation and a post-secondary credential.   ACE IT students are formally registered with the ITA as Youth Apprentices.  More information regarding ACE IT can be found at the Industry Training Authority website.

    Q & A’s - ACE IT (Accelerated Credit Enfolment in Industry Training)