NEWS School Before Work, Your future - Why education matters The lure of a full-time job versus finishing high school can be tempting. But when you think long term, a high school diploma can mean the difference between a lifetime stuck in a boring, low-paying job and establishing a career or a trade for yourself. And if you take it a step further by enrolling in advanced training or education, eventually you could be raking in the big bucks. Almost 80 per cent of Canadians earning more than $50,000 had some kind of post-secondary education, whether it be a trades certificate, college diploma or a university degree, according to a 1996 Statistics Canada survey. Even if you don't know what kind of career you want, an education keeps doors open for you that would otherwise be closed. There are many ways to try out different jobs to find something that really suits you— some you can even do while you're still in high school. And that high school diploma is more valuable than you might think. A report by Human Resources Development Canada predicted that as of 2004, only six per cent of new jobs would require less than a high school education. Sure, those six per cent of employers may hire you without a diploma, but again, think long term—most employers like to see a high school diploma on a resume. With people changing jobs throughout their lives, there's no guarantee you'll always have the same employer. Think of it as your safety net. It's there just in case you ever need it. The Registered Apprenticeship Program, or RAP (www.tradesecrets.org/ then click 'what's new'), lets you learn a trade and go to school at the same time— but attending school is a must. "We've had employers fire students when they've dropped out of school," says Grant Gibson, apprenticeship coordinator for Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. As a student in the RAP program, you work as an apprentice, which means you learn a trade while being employed in that trade. An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training, theory and work experience, all while getting paid. "The RAP program exposes students to a lot of different opportunities so they can get a feel for the kind of job they'd like to have," says Gibson. Work hours are flexible, so you can come up with an arrangement that works between you, your school and your employer. Through the RAP program, you can even earn credits towards your high school diploma. If the RAP program isn't for you, you might find something you like at a local college or university. A high school diploma is a great start, but continuing your education gives you an even better shot at finding a good-paying job and making a career for yourself. StatsCan's 2004 labour force survey shows that those with a post-secondary education had a higher employment rate than those without. Between 1990 and 2000, employment rates went up by 45 per cent for those with university degrees and by 52 per cent for those with a post-secondary diploma or certificate. Employment for those with less than a high school education decreased by 13 per cent. So there's a good chance you'll get back what you're willing to put in, as far as getting an education and a career goes. There's a bright future out there for you if you're willing to learn and to commit to your future. Source: Calgary Labour Market News VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3, JUNE 2006