BSD High School Apprenticeship

🔊 Attention Employers & Non-Profit Organizations!

Looking for enthusiastic, motivated students to join your team?

Connect with future talent at the Brandon School Division High School Career Fair 2026 — an exciting opportunity to meet students seeking part-time jobs, summer positions, internships, and more!

📅 Event Dates & Locations:
📍 April 21, 2026 – Vincent Massey High School
📍 April 22, 2026 – Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School
📍 April 23, 2026 – École secondaire Neelin High School
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Don’t miss your chance to inspire and recruit the next generation of professionals!

👉 Register today:
Contact Graciela de Tobar at [email protected] or 204-729-3234

Read more: https://www.bsd.ca/join-us-at-the-bsd-career-fair-2026.25572

🧰 Toolbox Tuesday 🪜

A strong first impression in writing or when visiting in person can open the door to your first apprenticeship opportunity.

When reaching out to an employer to drop off or email an application, remember that professionalism matters. A clear and friendly introduction, a professional description of why you are visiting or sending a message, and respectful follow-up can make a great first impression. If going in person, practice what you want to say beforehand.

Don’t start your email or greeting with “Hey, I’m looking for a job.”

Your future trade career might start with one well-written message or a friendly and courteous in-person visit. 🔧

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👁️ Future Friday: Pick Your Career Path 🎯

There are 50+ apprenticeable trades in Manitoba and students can begin a career in the skilled trades while in high school through HSAP.

Trade Talk Thursday ⚙️

Did you know many skilled trades in Canada lead to Red Seal certification?

The Red Seal Program sets the national standard for skilled trades. That means certified tradespeople can work anywhere in Canada without rewriting exams.

✔ National Standards
✔ Skill Mastery
✔ Career Mobility

Many HSAP students begin their Red Seal pathway while still in high school.

Worksite Wednesday 🔧

Starting your first job in the trades? Here’s one of the biggest things employers notice:

⏰ Be early. Be ready. Be positive.

Showing up on time, prepared to work, and willing to learn goes a long way on any jobsite.

Skills can be taught — attitude and reliability make the difference.

🔧 HSAP Toolbox Tuesday

How to Email a Potential Employer the Right Way

Reaching out to an employer by email is often your first impression — make it count.

Here are some simple but important tips for HSAP students:

1️⃣ Use a Professional Email Address
Your email should include your name — not nicknames or slang.

2️⃣ Write a Clear Subject Line
Example:
HSAP Student Inquiry – Welding Apprenticeship Opportunity

This tells the employer exactly why you are contacting them.

3️⃣ Start with a Proper Greeting
“Dear Mr. Smith,”
“Hello Ms. Johnson,”
If you’re unsure, “Good afternoon,” works well.

4️⃣ Introduce Yourself Clearly
Include:
• Your name
• Your school
• Your interest in the trade
• That you are applying through the High School Apprenticeship Program

Keep it professional and concise.

5️⃣ Explain What You’re Looking For
Are you seeking:
• A summer apprenticeship?
• A job shadow?
• A part-time apprenticeship position?

Be specific.

6️⃣ Attach Your Resume and Cover Letter (Properly Named)
Example:
Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf

Mention in the email that your resume is attached.

7️⃣ End Professionally
Thank them for their time and consideration.
Include your full name and phone number in your signature.

⸻

Employers notice professionalism before they notice experience.

Small details build trust.
Professional communication is a skill that will serve you throughout your career.

If you need help drafting your first email, connect with HSAP for help!

Momentum Monday

Many businesses are gearing up for spring/summer hiring. If you are hiring and can apprentice a high school student in a trade, be sure to connect with the Brandon School Division HSAP Coordinator, Leah Jago, at [email protected] for more information on how you can help students to begin their careers in a trade at your business!!

I missed posting yesterday so here is the theme for Friday. Plan ahead. Forward thinking. Future goals!

💼 Forward Focus Friday

Did you know many apprentices in Manitoba earn competitive wages from Year 1?

As skills increase, wages increase.

Starting early through HSAP, an apprenticeship can give students a head start toward financial independence and long-term career stability.

Skilled trades offer opportunity, growth, and purpose.

Trade Talk Thursday - Earn While You Learn! What is an Apprenticeship? Check out the video from the Canadian Apprentiship Forum

What is an Apprenticeship? An overview of the apprenticeship pathway, including tips from employers on how to succeed and what skilled trades are in high demand.

Trade Talk Thursday - Discover Apprenticship https://www.gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprenticeship.html

Worksite Wednesdays - Success on the Job

“What Employers Look for in Employees”

🕰️ Showing up early
❓ Asking questions
👂 Listening
🏃🏾‍♀️‍➡️ Hustle
🙌🏻 Attitude

Want to know what gets apprentices hired and kept on long term?

It’s not just skill - skills can be learned.

It’s attitude and effort!