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Coquitlam Open Learning
School District No.43(Coquitlam)
Frequently Asked Questions
Attachments
  
  
Answer
  
Someone who:
  • is interested in a trade/technical industries
  • likes working with their hands
  • is interested in being an entrepreneur
  • likes seeing the end result
  
No, not at all!  Student's paid work experience as a SSA student can be completed on weekends, summer holidays, or on a special release from school if the timetable will permit.  It's like having a part time job outside of school and you can earn up to 16 credits based on the number of hours you accumulate at your job.
  
Students and the employers need to be able to verify work hours through documentation like a pay stub or record of employment (ROE).  Also, employers need to be providing WCB coverage of their employees.
  
There are many ways to find a job in a trade.  Often the SSA coordinator will have job opportunities available and these get advertised throughout the school district.  Students also need to "network" through family and friends and let potential employers know you are interested in working.  Taking "Work Experience 12" at your school is a great way to network with employers.  Ask your counsellor for help.
  
Students need:
  • all 4 SSA courses completed (480 hours of work)
  • a C+ average on all their grade 12 numbered courses
  • to be employed 5 months after graduation or gain up to 1100 work hours in the trade
  • to fill in an application for the scholarship before they graduate and give it to the SSA coordinator
  
The student will continue to work and gain hours which will be applied towards their apprenticeship.  Students should submit a "Work Based Training Report" form every 3 or 4 months to the ITA to keep their hours updated.
  
An apprenticeship is when a student is employed in a trade and works along side a qualified tradesperson (journeyperson).  The student typically spends most of the calendar year working in his/her position but also attends a trade school during the year to be educated on the trade.  Students gain their "levels" by following this routine usually for 3 or 4 years until they gain their certification.
  
This term means you have completed your apprenticeship and are fully certified in a particular trade.  Your certification status is accepted all across Canada.  If you move outside of any province, you do not need to be re-trained or re-certified.

Coquitlam Open Learning