Career programs offer the opportunity to get first-hand work experience in a career setting. This career exploration process can help students with the transition to the workplace by giving them the confidence they need to focus their efforts on getting the specific training and skills required for their career choice. 

The School counsellor can help students learn more about the options available at Kootenay Discovery School.  The School Counsellor can also help students to determine which career program fits best with their future plans.

Phone: 250-423-4912

Kootenay Employment Services

We have some great opportunities available for students with Kootenay Employment Services. Students can be enrolled in school part time, take  part in some career focused training, then be offered a 12 week work practicum based on their training. A great opportunity for young people to explore different career paths.   Please contact us to find out more about this hands on program for students 16 years of age and older. 

Work Experience

This training opportunity offers students experience in the career field of their choice.

Benefit to student: Students gain credit toward graduation and feel more prepared for employment or further post-secondary training.

Employer’s responsibilities: The employer is responsible for working with the student to devise a learning plan.  In addition, the employer collaborates with the student and the work experience teacher to evaluate the student’s progress. 

Hours: Students must complete a combination of coursework and on-the-job training.  In total, students must complete 100 hours of work experience with their chosen employer, per four-credit course.

Rate of pay: In most circumstances, the work experience placement is unpaid. 

Credits: Students can complete a maximum of two 4-credit work experience courses (Work Experience 12A and 12B).  100 hours of work experience will earn you 4 credits.    

Secondary School Apprentice

The Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) provides skill development through practical, hands-on work experience.  Students enrolled in these courses go to work and attend high school at the same time. That means they have found an employer who is willing to take them on (and pay them) as an apprentice – at least until their high school graduation.

Students who are 15 years or older can enroll in this program – they must also formally register with the Industry Training Authority as Youth Apprentices.

Benefits to student: Earn while you learn!  Earn credits towards graduation, as well as up to 480 work-based training hours that count towards your trade credential.  Students are also able to meet employers within their chosen field, potentially increasing their employability. 

Employer’s responsibilities: Employers must provide the secondary school apprentice with work-based training opportunities to learn the skills of the trade. All apprentices must work under the supervision of a tradesperson with sign-off authority.  Employers must monitor, track and report the apprentice’s work-based training hours to the ITA.

Hours: For every 120 hours of work that the student completes, he/she will earn 4 credits towards graduation.

Rate of Pay: Employers must pay students at least minimum wage. 

Credits: Students can complete 2 x 4-credit courses at the grade 11 level (SSA 11A, SSA 11B) and 2 x 4-credit courses at the grade 12 level (SSA 12A, SSA 12B).  Therefore, successful completion of the program earns students 16 credits towards graduation.

Bonus: Some students may qualify for the SSA Scholarship – a $1000 award given to students for sustained and exceptional work as an apprentice.  See the School Counsellor for more information!

     ACE-IT

The Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training (ACE IT) program is the in-class component of a high school apprenticeship. ACE IT students are Youth Apprentices registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).

Kootenay Discover School partners with the College of the Rockies to offer our students a wide range of programs, including:

·         Auto Service Technician      

·         Carpentry                              

·         Culinary Arts (Cook)            

·         Electrician

·         Hairstylist                              

·         Heavy Duty Mechanic                      

·         Metal Fabricator                  

·         Millwright (Ind. Mechanic)  

·         Steamfitter/Pipefitter                      

·         Welding                                 

Benefits to students: Students who successfully complete the ACE IT program earn credit toward high school graduation, as well as well as at least one level of technical training for their industry-training program.

Cost: Enrolment in the ACE IT program is free; however, students may be required to cover the cost for textbooks, tools, or other items specific to working in their chosen field.

Location: The majority of programs take place at the College of the Rockies campus in Cranbrook. 

Length of program: Programs range in length from 21 weeks to 44 weeks.  See the School Counsellor for more information on the program you are interested in.

Credits: May vary depending on the program.  In the majority of cases, students earn 24 credits at the grade 12 level.