Align Work-Based Learning/Apprenticeship Credit Program Guidelines
Res #: 12-25A
Number: 12
Year: 2025
Midterm: No
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
WHEREAS work-based learning is a school program that allows students to apply their skills with a local employer, requiring a signed agreement from the student, parents/guardians, supervising teacher, and employer.
WHEREAS the Workers’ Compensation Board and the Minister of Education have a Memorandum to extend workers’ compensation benefits to eligible students in work-based learning. Proper completion of a consent form is necessary for this coverage. Although remuneration is not required for students, they receive benefits similar to covered workers. The division also maintains additional liability insurance for the program.
WHEREAS in the Apprenticeship Program, the Mentoring Journeyperson must fulfill specific requirements, including providing a safe environment, coaching, and submitting a criminal record check. They must also pay the student as an employee and provide Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Ministry of Education to align work-based learning guidelines with the Apprenticeship Credit Program, promoting participation from apprentices and companies and expanding training opportunities for students.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
April 30, 2025
Saskatchewan students enrolled in Practical and Applied Arts courses have the opportunity, in some fields, to access a work placement and gain valuable experience in a specific area of study. Since these are non-paid work placement positions, WCB coverage is mandated by the Worker’s Compensation Act (WCB Act). On January 1, 2025, the amended definition of “worker” came into force and now includes secondary and post-secondary students in recognized programs.
Apprenticeship A20, 820, A30, 830 is an approved program for students to work for an employer and gain work experience in a trade while applying 100 work hours towards a high school credit. These hours can be applied to apprenticeship hours through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
Students in the Apprenticeship A20, 820, A30, 830 are paid employees and are not covered by the WCB Act like non-paid students. Schools offering apprenticeship credits should consider legal liability or insurance implications for students engaged in activities outside of the school. Businesses employing a student are required to apply for WCB coverage as they would for a regular employee.
If you have any questions related to this policy, please contact WCB directly.
Hon. Everett Hindley – Minster of Education, Government of Saskatchewan
