Drumheller student earns RAP scholarship

A young Drumheller man is finding his way into the workforce, and has been awarded by the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

Brett Richardson is a recipient of a RAP Scholarship. The recent graduate of Drumheller Composite High School is employed with Evergreen Implements in Drumheller, and for about the last year, he has been diligently working on his training towards becoming an Agricultural Equipment Technician. This January he starts his classroom training in Olds College and he will have $1,000 to go towards his education.
     According to an information bulletin from Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, program, high school students are able to obtain hours of on-the-job training and work experience as credit toward both an apprenticeship program and a high school diploma while earning an income. This year, more than 1,800 Alberta high school students are participating.
    Richardson has always been interested in mechanics. While attending Hussar School, he completed some of his work experience hours at Armstrong Auto.
    Coming to Drumheller for school, he saw the opportunity to work in his field, earn high school credit and work towards his post secondary education.
    The Government of Alberta, the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board and industry established RAP scholarships in 2001. Eligible students receive $1,000 in recognition of successful achievements both on the job and in the classroom to encourage RAP apprentices to continue their apprenticeship and become certified. Approximately 500 scholarships are available each year. Industry members sponsor twenty-five scholarships.
    The RAP program has been in operation since 1991.
    “RAP helps high-school students make the link between the classroom and future careers,” said Andy Neigel, President and CEO of CAREERS: The Next Generation, an industry-driven private/public partnership dedicated to the career development of Alberta’s youth.
    “As a result of these scholarships, more students are entering the post-secondary world and the workforce poised and motivated for success.”