Welcome Junior High Students!

You’re a little early!

So, you’re interested in doing an internship in high school. Great choice! Internships are a great way to:

Figure out what careers you like and don’t like
Earn some extra money
Build credits towards graduation

Junior high students aren’t quite eligible yet but preparing for a high school internship takes some planning. If you are reading this, then you are on top of things. Good job!

What you need to know

CAREERS works with schools and employers to find the perfect fit for you.

Most internships in Grade 10 are done during the summer, but if you meet with your high school Off-campus Coordinator before the school year starts, they can help you arrange your schedule to participate during the school year. Either way, meet with your high school’s Off-campus Coordinator as soon as possible – they will be part of your internship journey!

Most internships are about 6-8 weeks long, but there’s always room for flexibility.

How you can prepare

Start to explore different career paths that might interest you.

You can do this by seeking out career fairs in your region or speaking with your teachers, parents and other adults. Keep in mind though, CAREERS only works with industries that are in-demand, which means you’ll have no trouble getting a job when you eventually enter the workforce. Here’s a high level breakdown:

Here are a few other resources for you to dive a little deeper:

Career Exploration & Planning

CAREERS Annual Report – See the big picture of how internships are creating impact across Alberta.
Occupation Research – Not sure what career path is right for you? Start here.
ALIS – How to Find the Work You Want
ALIS – Career Planning and Assessment Tools
ALIS Occupations List

Trades & Apprenticeships

Tradesecrets – Trades & Occupations List
Apprenticeship and Industry Training – Compulsory Certification Trades
Apprenticeship Research – Discover what apprenticeship pathways are available and how they work.
Trades in Alberta: What Are the Trades? – A student-friendly overview of what “trades” actually means.
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Overview – Learn how high school students like you can get started in the trades early.
How to Register as an Apprentice – Step-by-step info for when you’re ready to take the next step.

Internship Prep & Job Skills

Internship Preparation – Tips and tools to help you hit the ground running.
ALIS – Writing an Effective Cover Letter
ALIS – Writing an Effective Resume
ALIS – Interview Preparation

Safety & Workplace Readiness

Safety Resources – General health, safety, and mental wellness info for young workers.
Alberta High School Safety Courses – Online safety courses to boost your confidence and skills.

You will also have to complete a safety course before your internship begins (HCS3000). Your high school will help you with this, or you can get a head start by completing it now by visiting SafeGen.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry about it. CAREERS and your high school Off-campus Coordinator can coach you through all of this when it’s time apply.

You're finally in grade 10!

If CAREERS hasn’t already reconnected with you, it’s time to get started! Here’s what you have to do:

Step 1

Get access to a student portal

This is where you can fill in an online application. Click the button below so that we can get you started with that.

Step 2

Book an appointment

Book an appointment with your school’s Off-Campus Coordinator to discuss your eligibility and any courses you may be missing and need to register for (HCS 3000 for example).

Once your portal is activated and you’ve submitted an application, our program coordinators will begin the process of matching you to an employer. Keep in mind that all applications will be considered, but internships are not guaranteed.

We look forward to hearing back from you!

Student Testimonials

I've always wanted to get into trades and welding was the closest trade/job to my home at the time. Careers helped me learn and develop my knowledge about trades. I would strongly recommend it to anyone getting into trades.

Ella KuhnBeaverlodge Regional High School, Grande Prairie
Welding Apprentice with Enercorp

My internship changed the way I viewed my future - I decided to go a different way with my education as I was no longer interested in healthcare. I would definitely recommend an internship through CAREERS to everyone who is wondering about what they want as a future career. It's a great way to get clarity about your interests and the kind of work environment a career entails.”

Émilie AubinHeritage High School, Guy
Nurse Assistant at McLennan Sacred Heart Hospital

I initially was looking for automotive apprentice, but Careers introduced me to heavy duty and my interest in semi-trucks and industrial engines grew. I would recommend to look at your options and communicate with CAREERS, ask lots of questions to find a place and career that suits you.

Graydon HammGrande Prairie Composite High School, Grande Prairie
Heavy Duty Technician Apprentice with Sanjel, Liberty Oilfield Services

I did an apprenticeship as a way to get hours for trade school in order to eventually get my Journeyman certification. It's a good way to get a head start on the other people coming out of high school.

Kavan OsborneHilltop High School, Whitecourt
Heavy Duty Mechanic Apprentice, Alberta Newsprint Company

It gave me the opportunity to try a career and I enjoyed it. It set me on the course for my future career. I would say that CAREERS gives you an opportunity that you can't find anywhere else and gives young adults a chance to learn something new to help with future career decisions.

Van WerekaMayorthorpe High School, Sangudo
Powerline Internship, Fortis Alberta

The internship helped me realize that hairdressing was something I wanted to do in the future and allowed me to apprentice. It also allowed me to meet a lot of new people and learn a lot of things about hairdressing. If I was recommending an internship through careers to someone else I would tell them it is a good idea, and that it can help you get your career started.”

Jorgie VisserHope Christian School, Valleyview
Hairstylist Apprentice, BeSpoke Beauty Boutique