Apprenticeship in Your School

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option (SYAO)

The SYAO works with high schools in order to encourage students begin their apprenticeship training while they are in grade 11 or grade 12. It combines regular high school instruction with paid, part-time, on-the-job training. Students can earn up to 8 supplemental academic credits for graduation based on 110 working hours per credit.

For counsellors assisting in the placement of students in the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option, review SYAO section in Applications & Forms.

For more information & student requirements, see section on SYAO in Future Apprentices.

Vocational Programs

Vocational courses offer students an opportunity to gain marketable skills while acquiring a high school diploma. In some programs/courses, students can use their in-school training as credit towards further on-the-job training (see section on Accredited Trade Programs). To meet agreements of articulation with the Apprenticeship Branch and Manitoba Colleges, ongoing adjustments are continually made to the intent, content, and implementation of courses and programs.

For more information about all vocational programs, visit Vocational Teachers' Association of Manitoba website.

Getting Your School's Trades Programs Accredited

The Apprenticeship Branch recognizes trades-related courses or programs of study offered by other training institutions. Over 100 programs have been accredited throughout the province – almost 50 in high schools throughout Manitoba. Private training institutions and community colleges offer the remaining programs. For students, credits from an accredited program can be applied to the technical training requirements of an apprenticeship. See section on Accredited Pre-Employment/Pre-Apprenticeship Programs for a listing.

How to apply for Accreditation:

If your school offers a trades-related program and would like to have it accredited, download the Guidelines for Accreditation Package wich inclues an accreditation appliction form, or contact Apprenticeship Manitoba to request your copy. An accreditation submussion must include:

• A detailed outline showing program description and performance objectives
• Test samples for theory and practical lessons
• Sample lesson plans or learning guides
• Resources for students
• Floor plans, texts, tools and equipment required
• Instructors’ names and copies of their trade and teaching certificates-instructors of accredited programs must hold a Certificate of Qualification and have their Bachelor of Education Degree or Teaching Certificate.

Submitted course content is compared to the Branch's curriculum standards and facilities are inspected. If the program submission and facilities meet approved standards, the program is accredited for three years.

For more information on accreditation, contact the Apprenticeship Branch Accreditation Manager.