Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education

​Unlock your future with off-campus education in the CBE! If you’re a high school student ready to explore beyond the classroom, off-campus education offers an exciting opportunity to dive into real-world experiences, gain hands-on skills, and connect with industry professionals, all while earning credits towards high school completion.  

Step outside the traditional classroom setting and embark on a journey that blends education with practical, life-changing experiences. Explore your options and make the most of your high school years with off-campus education! 

For Off-campus Ed​ucation d​​​uring the ​​​School Year (Sept-June) 

• ​​Check in with your home high school’s Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor 

For Off-campus Education duri​ng the Summer (Jul​​y-Aug) 

• Talk with your home high school’s Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor about Summer Off-campus through Chinook Learning Services  

Considerations for Off-ca​​mpus Education 

• Students are responsible for finding their own opportunities – schools do not have positions to hand out
• Not all jobs or experiences meet the Alberta Education and CBE criteria for Off-campus Education. Talk to your home high school’s Off-campus Coordinator to see if your position meets the requirements in order to enroll 
• Pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in a given program 
• Off-campus Education is considered a privilege – students must be maintaining acceptable levels of success at their home high school in order to enroll in Off-campus Education 
• Transportation for all Off-campus Education opportunities is the responsibility of the student/family 

Types of Programs ​

• Career Internship 10 
• offered through ho​me high school 
• Work Experience 15-25-35 
• offered through home high school (school year) or Chinook Learning (summer) 
• Green Certificate Program​ 
• offered through Unique Pathways, see program page  
• Registered Apprenticeship Program 
• offered through home high school ​

Dual Credit vs. Off-Campus Education vs. RAP

​Supports for Students​​ looking for Opportunities

Students who are looking for paid and volunteer opportunities can self register with one of many organizations in Calgary that support youth, including, but not limited to: 

• ​​CAREERS Next Gen 
• Connections to industry partners in the Skilled Trades, ICT, Forestry, Agriculture, Energy and Healthcare 
• Programs for students still in high school, as well as youth transitioning to the world of work 
• Connected to your home high school’s Off-campus Coordinator  
• Youth Employment Centre 
• Free, in-person drop​ in employment services for youth ages 15-24 
• Services include resume support,​ job search strategies, interview preparation, career planning and connections to employers 
• Trellis Society E​mployment Services 
• Free online and in-person employment support for youth 12+ 
• Workshops include resume, cover letter, job search, interview prep and employment skills 
• Connection to paid work experiences and volunteer opportunities in a supported and inclusive environment 
• Youth Central 
• Volunteer and leadership opportunities for youth ages 12-18 
• Group based opportunities allow youth to meet other youth from across Calgary 
• Calgary Public Library Youth Volunteers 
• ​Volunteer opportunities for youth ages 12+ 

And many more! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get work experience credits for a volunteer position? 

YES! There must be a legitimate volunteer organization, non-profit, etc. and they must be insured for your type of work. Your home high school Off-campus Coordinator will go over other requirements with you. 

Can I volunteer with a business in order to prove myself? 

YES! Job shadowing or an un-paid internship may qualify for Work Experience. However, these opportunities should be short-term before ending or moving into paid work. 

Do all jobs qualify for Work Experience? 

No, there are some jobs that don’t meet the criteria for Off-campus Education. Positions must meet the criteria set out in both the Off-campus Education Handbook and CBE’s Best Practices Guide. 

Are there any pre-requisites for Work Experience and RAP? 

YES! The number of pre-requisites depend on the type of work you will be doing. Talk to your home high school Off-campus Coordinator to complete the pre-requisites for your position. 

Can I get work experience credits for being a trainer with my school’s sports team? 

MAYBE! If you are working towards hours for your sports medicine class etc., you can not be collecting hours for Work Experience at the same time. However, if you have completed all required hours for your course, then yes, any remaining hours may be used for Work Experience. Talk to your home high school Off-campus Coordinator about other requirements! 

How do I know how to find my home high school Off-campus Coordinator? 

Check out your school website staff directory. If you can’t find it there, check in with your Guidance or Success Centre office – they will point you in the right direction! 

Can I get work experience credits for working with my parent? 

MAYBE! There are other requirements that must be met. For instance, does the business have a physical space for visits? Are you registered as an employee? Talk to your home high school Off-campus Coordinator about other requirements!