Work Experience at CHHS

Work Experience is an Off-Campus Education Program that allows a student to earn High School credits for the experience and on-the-job training they receive while working at a part-time job during the school year, during the summer months or holidays. If you have any questions about the Work Experience program please have a look at the following list of frequently asked questions. If you require further information please come see Mr. Roach in the Off Campus Education Office in Room 250 at CHHS or call 527-6641 extension 8250.

Who may go into Work Experience?

Any CHHS student in grade 10, 11, or 12 who has a part-time job during the school year or a position during the summer months, or who volunteers, can sign up for Work Experience.

What do I need to do?

Give your employer a Work Experience Fact sheet and Mr. Roach's card and complete a Work Experience registration form and Employer contract - copies of these are available in the Off-Campus Education office. Return the completed forms to the same office. When you bring these in Mr. Roach will show you how the weekly timesheets work and will make arrangements to meet with your employer to approve the worksite, complete your Learning Plan, review WCB regulations, and go over the evaluation procedure with them. The students task after that is to make sure they regularly turn in their timesheets, get employer and self evaluations done regularly do their best at their job, and stay in touch with Mr. Roach about any changes in their WE position status.

How do I earn credits?

Students can earn anywhere from 3 to 10 credits in one work site or on one skill-set. Credits are based on time worked. Each credit requires 25 hours of work. (for example, 5 credits will require 125 hours of work, 6 credits- 150 hours, and so on) the minimum number of credits that can be issued in Work Experience is 3. Evaluations must also be done regularly in order for Work Experience course marks to be calculated.

Can I use the same job for all 30 credits?

see answer to next question below.

Do I have to quit my job after 10 credits and get a new one to continue earning Work Experience Credits?

No, you do not necessarily need to, but in order to meet Alberta Education curricular requirements you must have a new learning plan in place for your second 10 credits. The new Learning Plan should include new goals and new skills being developed. This can involve higher level skills within the same job description or a move to a new position within the same organization. If no new skills or positions are possible with the current employer then yes, it may be necessary to move to a new employer/position in order to continue in Work Experience.

Is there a time limit of when the credits must be completed?

No. Students' work schedules vary from one student to another and therefore students earn WE credits on an individual basis. For example, if a student works 10 hours a week, that student will probably earn 10 credits in about 6 or 7 months. It may take another student less time, or more time.

Can I use more than one job for Work Experience?

Yes. The more variety in job experiences, the more likely that students can earn the maximum number of Work Experience credits (30) and along with it the Career Scholarship Award (C$A) of $500. Students can also use two jobs at one time. The student just needs two different employer contracts in place at the same time.

What are the advantages of being in Work Experience?

15 credits may be used towards earning a high school diploma
Knowledge, skills, and attributes gained in the workplace are lifelong
Students can continue to work without having to alter their timetables
A good employment experience and positive employer evaluations can build your resume' and portfolio
Students can work toward the Work Experience Career Scholarship Award (C$A) of up to $500
WCB insurance provided for all WE students through Alberta Education

Can I earn more than 15 credits and what is the advantage to do this?

Students can earn up to 30 credits in Work Experience. If a student earns more than 15 credits, that student is eligible for the Career Scholarship Award (C$A) for every extra 5 credits earned, up to $500. There are conditions, and students should see the Off-Campus Coordinator for more information. There is more information about the C$A below.

Can I use a job in the summer for Work Experience?

Yes. Students have 3 summers for Work Experience - the summer after grade 10, the summer after grade 11, and the summer after grade 12.

What are my responsibilities?

Get a registration form completed and a contract signed and handed in (students cannot be in Work Experience and count hours until the District contract is completed and handed in)
Complete your time sheets neatly and completely and hand them in weekly during the school year and monthly during the summer months.
Make sure your employer evaluations and self evaluations are done at least every 125 hours or each semester (whichever comes first). Monitor your hours and notify the Off-Campus Coordinator and your employer when you are approaching each 125 hour evaluation period.
Stay in contact with the Off-Campus Coordinator on a regular basis to update them on any changes to your Work Experience status, such as new job skills, new duties, workplace issues or problems, or any changes to your Registration information.

Can I is use more than one job to earn credits?

Yes, many students have more than one part-time position, or have a completely different job for the summer months. This will ensure no problems with the different skill-set requirements for each 10 credits. Make sure seperate Employer contracts are in place for each of the positions and that proper notice and evaluations are completed before leaving any position.

Can volunteer work be considered Work Experience?

Yes, the same criteria are used. Students often combine a paying job with volunteer work. There must also be a regular supervisor within the Volunteer organization that will be responsible for doing student evaluations.

Can volunteer hours be combined

Yes, the volunteer hours can be accumulated over three years.

What is the Career Scholarship Award (C$A) ?

After students have successfully completed 15 credits of Work Experience towards their high school diploma (subject to WE guidelines), they can begin working toward the C$A by earning up to an additional 15 credits of Work Experience. Please see the Off-Campus coordinator for criteria for this award. The requirements of hours towards the C$A remain the same as for the 1st 15 credits i.e. 5 credits for every 125 hours of employment. All contracts, timesheets, learning plans,and evaluation sheets must be received by the school for this award to be paid. Funding will be paid in the fall of the year following the completion of graduation or the funding of the additional 15 WE credits by Alberta Education, whichever come first (usually in November). Cheques are mailed to eligible students. All outstanding Student fees must also be paid in full before the Award can be mailed.