Work Experience gives Edmonton Catholic Schools students the opportunity to explore career interests through meaningful workplace learning while earning high school credits. Students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, develop workplace skills, and make connections between classroom learning and future career pathways.
What is Work Experience?
Work Experience is an off-campus education program that allows students to earn credits through paid or volunteer placements in a supervised workplace setting. Placements may take place in business, industry, government, or community organizations, helping students gain valuable experience while exploring potential career options.
Through Work Experience, students can:
- Explore career interests before graduation.
- Develop workplace and employability skills.
- Build confidence and independence.
- Gain valuable experience for future education and employment.
- Make informed decisions about career and post-secondary pathways.
Earn High School Credits
Students can earn high school credits while gaining real-world experience in the workplace.
- One credit is earned for every 25 hours worked.
- Work Experience courses are offered at the 15, 25, and 35 levels.
- Students can earn between 3 and 10 credits at each level.
- Up to 15 Work Experience credits may be applied toward Alberta High School Diploma requirements.
How to Get Started
Students interested in Work Experience should speak with their school Off-Campus Coordinator (If your school does not have an Off-Campus Coordinator, please speak with your school designate to learn about eligibility requirements, available placements, and career pathway opportunities.
School staff can help students determine which programs best align with their interests, career goals, and post-secondary plans.
Career Pathway Opportunities
Many students combine Work Experience with specialized off-campus learning opportunities that provide additional career exploration and workplace experience. These opportunities may help students build industry connections, develop job-ready skills, and explore future career options while still in high school.
CAREERS: The Next Generation
CAREERS: The Next Generation is a non-profit organization that partners with schools, employers, industry, communities, and government to help Alberta students explore career pathways and develop skills for future employment. Through its partnership with Edmonton Catholic Schools, students may have access to paid internship opportunities that allow them to gain workplace experience, earn wages, and receive high school credits.
Explore the CAREERS Internship Database: careersnextgen.ca/get-an-internship/careerpathways
Young Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT)
Young Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT) helps young women explore careers in skilled trades and technology fields. Through awareness, exploration, and workplace experiences, students can discover career opportunities, build confidence, and gain valuable experience in industries where women have traditionally been underrepresented.
Learn more about YWITT: careersnextgen.ca/community-impact/young-women-in-trades-technology-ywitt/
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) allows students to begin apprenticeship training while completing high school. Students gain practical workplace experience in a designated trade while earning both apprenticeship hours and high school credits.
Learn more about RAP: ecsd.net/registered-apprenticeship-program
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Internships
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) internships provide students with opportunities to explore careers in technology and digital industries through paid workplace experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
Learn more about ICT internships: careersnextgen.ca/get-an-internship/