Career Education & Development

Pembina Hills students have opportunities to receive high school credit for learning that takes place outside of the classroom. These off-campus learning opportunities are designed to help students connect to the world of work while still in school. 

Pembina Hills offers the following programs: 

  • Work Experience
  • Dual Credit
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
  • Green Certificate Program

CAREER CAMP — July 2-6, 2024

Open to all Pembina Hills students entering Grade 10!

Pembina Hills Grade 9 students who are entering Grade 10 in the fall of 2024 have the opportunity to take part in a Career Camp, July 2-6, 2024 at R.F. Staples School!

Students will learn about exciting careers in

  • Construction Trades
  • Agriculture
  • Welding
  • Aviation
  • Automotives
  • Heavy Equipment Operating

There will be

  • HCS 3000/3010 coursework
  • site visits
  • guest speakers
  • a mental health & addictions presentation
  • resume/resume letter writing

Students are required to attend all five days of the camp and will earn three credits through the completion of the camp program, including 1-credit for completing the HCS 3000 course. Students who have already completed HCS 3000 will be offered HCS 3010.

Cost

There is no cost for students to attend! Lunch may be provided; details will follow.

Transportation

Bus transportation will be available from Barrhead Composite High School each day for students coming from Barrhead, Fort Assiniboine or Swan Hills. Parents of Westlock-area students are responsible for transportation to R.F. Staples School.

How to apply

Parents:

  • Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal
  • Select the Payments, Consent & Transp Forms link in the left Navigation menu. This will open a new browser window to the studentquickpay.com website.
  • Select the CAREER CAMP Application form
  • Review the form details, complete the required information and submit!

Important! Application does NOT guarantee acceptance as there is limited seating. Applications will be open until April 15, 2025. Parents will be notified if their child’s registration is confirmed and a consent form will be required to be completed.

Questions?

Contact Careers Lead Teacher Darrell Teske at darrell.teske@pembinahills.ca.


PROGRAMS OVERVIEW

Work Experience

Careers: The Next Generation

Pembina Hills has partnered with Careers: Next Generation, a not-for-profit foundation that assists students by bringing together industry, schools, governments and communities to guide youth into successful career paths. Careers connects youth to employers in various industries where they can try out some of Alberta’s most in-demand careers while making money and earning high school credits.

What industries?

  • Skilled Trades
  • Information & Communications Technologies (ICT)
  • Health
  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Energy Production

Careers Brochure

Careers Testimonial Video

Careers Website

Connect with our Careers Lead Teacher

Students can connect with our Careers Lead Teacher, Darrell Teske at darrell.teske@pembinahills.ca for more information.

Dual Credit

With Dual Credit programming, Grades 10-12 students have the opportunity to complete a college course or program while earning credits at both the college and high school (Gr. 12, 30-level) levels at the same time.

Why take Dual Credit programming?

  • Finding their path: Taking dual credit programming allows students to try out a post-secondary course or program and prepares students for a post-secondary environment. 
  • Students can earn both high school and college credits at the same time
  • Schooling at home that fits the student’s schedule: Dual Credit programming is completed online with most courses being accessed when the students are available – during the day, evening or whenever it fits their schedule. Students may be able to complete an entire college program while living at home, depending on the program. 
  • It can lower future course loads and save money: Students can complete courses towards a credential before going to a post-secondary institution. Students can also get a rebate (up to 90% of tuition) upon successful completion.
  • Students can complete college prerequisite courses

Who is eligible to take dual credits?

High school students who are 19 years of age or younger as of September 1, 2023 are eligible to take dual credits. 

Dual Credit Opportunities

Through Northern Lakes College

  • Addictions Counseling*
  • Business Administration**
  • Computer Network Specialist**
  • Early Learning & Child Care**
  • Educational Assistant**
  • Office Administration**
  • Practical Nurse*
  • Primary Care Paramedics*
  • Social Work Courses*
  • University Transfer Courses*

* Individual courses, not entire program
** Individual courses OR entire program

Notes:
Students planning to attend colleges in Alberta other than Northern Lakes College may also be able to start their program while attending high school. Students must talk to their career counsellor or school administration as soon as possible.

Some programs require practicum placements that can be completed within our community or they may require practical experience that must be completed away from home.

Register

Students can talk to their school career counselor or school administration about dual credit opportunities, prerequisite requirements and the registration process.

For more information, contact PHSD’s Dual Credit Coordinator:

Karen Fischer
karen.fischer@pembinahills.ca

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

Students work in a trade of choice (part-time during the school year, for a semester, on weekends/holidays or during the summer) and earn wages, high school credit and on-the-job apprenticeship hours towards a journeyperson certificate. 

 

Once the RAP student completes high school, the RAP apprenticeship ends and students are automatically registered as regular apprentices and the job hours earned while in RAP are applied to their apprenticeship program. 

RAP Placements in Pembina Hills

  • Parts Technicians
  • Automotive Service Technicians
  • Heavy Equipment Technicians 

For more information, students can contact their Academic Counsellor or school principal.

Green Certificate

The Green Certificate Program provides trainees with opportunities to enter a variety of agriculture-related, structured learning pathways as part of high school and earn up to 16 Grade 12 diploma credits. Students learn on worksites under the direction of experienced farm personnel and the supervision and administration of their high school.

Areas of specialization

  • Beekeeper production
  • Cow-calf beef production
  • Dairy production
  • Equine production
  • Feedlot beef production
  • Field crop production
  • Greenhouse production
  • Irrigated field crop production
  • Poultry production
  • Sheep production
  • Swine production

For more information, students can contact their Academic Counsellor or school principal.