Senior Years Apprenticeship Program (SYAO) - for students in high school

Another means to earn credit towards an apprenticeship is through the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option (SYAO). The SYAO lets you start your apprenticeship training while you are still in high school. It combines regular high school instruction with paid, part-time, on-the-job training.

Benefits of SYAO | Eligible Trades for SYAO | Entrance Requirements | Homeshooled & Non-funded Independent Schooled Students | Mature Diploma Students | How to Apply | SYAO Program Details | How it Works | Roles & Responsibilities | Requirements to Continue Apprenticeship Training After High School

Benefits of SYAO & Starting your on-the-job trade in high school

The SYAO program provides practical, paid, work experience and the opportunity to:

• get hands-on experience using highly specialized, technological equipment
• earn up to 8 supplemental academic credits for graduation based on 110 working hours per credit (*up to 6 credits for Mature Diploma students)
• get paid a wage that's more than minimum average
• apply your on-the-job training hours to continued, full-time apprenticeship training after graduation
• use the skills you learn for a career in management or to start your own business

There are also many benefits to employers hiring Senior Years Option Apprentices such as growing a skilled workforce, improving productivity, increasing competitiveness etc. while obtaining wage incentives offered through the MB4Youth Division' s CareerFocus Program.

What Trades are eligible for SYAO

SYAO is available in over 50 trades! Take the time to explore all your career options. Talk to your school guidance counsellor or to tradespeople you know to see if a trade would be the right fit for you. See Trade Programs for a full listing of those trades that are eligible for SYAO.

Entrance Requirements

To participate in the SYAO program, the following is required:

• Minimum 16 years of age
• Taking core subjects grades 9-12,
• Enrolled in an approved Manitoba grade 10, 11 or 12 program

(See next section for complete details about homeschooled/non-funded independent school students or mature diploma student requirements.)

*Note: Students who are enrolled in modified (M) courses are eligible for SYAO, however up-grading may be required if they continue their apprenticeship program after high school. In order to be successful, strong essential skills in math,science, computer and communications are required for all trade programs.

Homeschooled & Non-funded Independent Schooled Students

To participate in the SYAO program, the following is required:

• Minimum 16 years of age
• Taking core subjects grades 9-12,
• Enrolled in an approved Manitoba grade 10, 11 or 12 program

*Note: Homeschooled students are accepted on a probationary basis.
SYAO students who graduate without a provincially-recognized high school diploma, and who wish to continue on as an apprentice, may be assessed for eligibility by the Apprenticeship Branch.

Mature Diploma Students

To participate in the SYAO program, the following is required:

• Completion of Manitoba grade 9 Math and English (or their equivalents) or be assessed with current standing in Manitoba Grade 10, 11 or 12 Math and Grade 10, 11 or 12 English.

Note:
• Adult learning centres are currently funded by the Adult Learning & Literacy Branch of Manitoba Advanced Education or registered with the Adult Learning & Literacy Branch under the Adult Learning Centres Act.
Link to Adult Learning Centres

How to Apply

1. Find a qualified, insured employer who will agree to train you as an apprentice.
A high school student may locate an employer using typical job search strategies or a SYAO school contact or guidance counselor may have a recommended listing of company/business contacts already established.

• It is required that apprentices are employed under the supervision of a certified journeyperson, however in recognition that the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option (SYAO) requires greater flexibility in its administration, Senior Years Apprentices can be supervised by an uncertified tradesperson (designated trainer). All designated trainers, must complete and submit a Designated Trainer Application Form to the Apprenticeship Branch prior to the submission of the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement.
  

2. Liaise with your school guidance counselor or contact and the SYAO co-ordinator at the Apprenticeship Branch to ensure you meet all of the programs academic requirements.

• Applicants in Homeschooling and Non-funded Independent Schools
  It is necessary to have a SYAO representative and confirm a contact at either a non-funded independent school, public school or provincially-funded independent school who will be responsible for assessing the learning outcomes of, and granting the credits for, the on-the-job experience. In addition, a letter from a public school or provincially-funded independent school accepting responsibility to grant SYAO credit or a letter from non-funded independent school accepting responsibility to grant SYAO credit must also be submitted with the SYAO application information.
  
• Mature Applicants
  Mature students must also obtain a contact at either the Adult Learning Centre or school (i.e. guidance counselor) who will be responsible for assessing the learning outcomes of, and granting the credits for the on-the-job experience.

3. Complete and submit the following;
Link to SYAO application forms

• Apprenticeship Application/Agreement and $50.00 application fee
  
• SYAO Registration Form
  
• High School Transcript
  - Applicants in Homeschooling and Non-funded Independent Schools must submit a student mark transcript or independent academic assessment, administered by public school or provincially-funded independent school, showing an equivalent of Grade 10, 11 or 12 status
  - Mature Student Applicants must submit a student mark transcript of grade 9 Math (or equivalent) and grade 9 English (or equivalent) or confirmation of enrollment in Grade 10, 11 or 12 Math and Grade 10, 11 or 12 English or Independent academic assessment administered by an Adult Learning Centre or school confirming current standing in Grade 10, 11 or 12 Math and Grade 10, 11 or 12 English level
  
• If applicable,
  - CareerFocus Application which provides employers hiring SYAO students with wage incentives from the CareerFocus Program offered through MB4Youth Division.

4. Set-up a suitable on-the-job/academic timetable with your employer that allows you to attend all of your required high school classes.

SYAO Program Details

The SYAO program provides an opportunity for students to explore trades in relevant settings while completing their high school education.

How it works

Students can earn up to 8 supplemental academic credits (up to 6 credits for Mature Diploma students) based on 110 working hours per credit. Hours can be accumulated during the week, in the evenings, on weekends and/or during holidays. The practical hours obtained in SYAO can be used towards the completion of practical on-job hours required for apprenticeship training in a trade, however technical-in-school courses in the trade will be completed in the apprenticeship training. For more information about school credits, contact the Technology Education Consultant, School Programs Division, Manitoba Education and Youth, at 204-945-7947.
*All SYAO students are required to attend academic studies and failure to do so will result in cancellation of the Apprenticeship Agreement.

High School Transcripts
A school must provide a percentage mark for each credit earned by a student as well as grant these credits. All SYAO credits are granted as Grade 12 course credits (40S designation) for course # 9801 through to # 9808. The minimum pass mark is 70%. The Practical Assessment Form as noted below can be used to determine the final percentage for each credit.

Tracking Hours
The Practical Assessment Form as noted below can be used to determine the final percentage for each credit.
Process:The SYAO student takes the Report of Hours Form to their employer to track on-the-job hours. Once each 110hours is complete, the SYAO student/employer returns this form to the school contact. Upon completion of each 110hours, the school contact sends the employer the Practical Assessment Form. The employer assesses the SYAO students' performance and skills and returns this information to the school contact in order to assist the school in granting high school credit.

Apprenticeship Record Book/Blue Book: Each SYAO student will receive an Apprenticeship Record Book which enables them to log hours of on-the-job training and receive Apprenticeship credit for hours worked. The Apprenticeship Record Book must also be submitted to the Apprenticeship Branch, if the SYAO student would like to continue with their apprenticeship program after high school.

Wages
The employer is responsible for paying a student enrolled in the SYAO program the regulated wage of a level one apprentice. This consists of minimum wage plus 10%

Note: the wage rates set out in the individual trade regulations will no longer apply to SYAO apprentices and will only take effect if a SYAO apprentice registers in a full time post-secondary apprenticeship training program. This amendment to the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification General Regulation 154/2001 was enacted and effective February 5, 2009.

Note: SYAO students who have the opportunity to enroll in accredited high school trades courses may also apply their technical/in-school training for credit towards the completion of their apprenticeship technical-in-school training after graduation.

Change of Employers
If an SYAO apprentice changes employers at anytime (prior to and after graduation), a new Apprenticeship Application Agreement must be completed and submitted to the Apprenticeship Branch.

Roles & Responsibilities

In the SYAO program, it’s a student’s responsibility to:

1. Maintain all academic studies outlined by the school
2. Inform employer of any absences (i.e. illness)
3. Arrange travel to and from work
4. Report all hours worked to the school contact

The employer, high school contact (i.e. guidance counselor), Apprenticeship Training Coordinator (ATC) and parent/guardian, play an important role in the success of the SYAO program and the apprentice. Progress, attendance and work experience are monitored, evaluated and credited accordingly.

*Note: The SYAO program does not replace academic high school courses and although students can include up to 8 credits toward requirements for graduation, they are still required to complete the necessary high school credentials for graduation.

For more information, see Roles & Responsibilities section.

Requirements to Continue Apprenticeship Training After High School

Many trades are technology based and require strong essential skills in math, science and computers. Good reading, writing and communication skills are also very important. While mechanical and hands-on skills are still core requirements to enter a trade, grade 12 completion or equivalent academic standing is required for most trades.

In order to confirm standing within the general apprenticeship stream after high school graduation, the prospective apprentice must submit to the SYAO coordinator;

• an original copy of their high school transcript, and
• Apprenticeship Record Book

*Important
- If the prospective apprentice has changed employers after high school graduation, a new Apprenticeship Application/Agreement must also be submitted.

-Designated trainer provisions are limited in the general apprenticeship stream. If the prospective apprentice would like to continue working with a designated trainer after high school completion, the designated trainer must complete a new Designated Trainer Application and receive approval from the Apprenticeship Branch.