Portage Collegiate Institute Grade 11 student Kirby Vince has logged over 1,000 apprenticeship hours with the Rural Municipality of Portage's welding team while earning eight high school credits -- the program’s maximum. The achievement positions him ahead of peers in Manitoba’s High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP), which partners students with local trades employers.
Earn-while-you-learn model
Kirby Vince, an 11th-Grade student at PCI, balances school and a welding apprenticeship with the Rural Municipality (RM), carving a direct route to his future career. What began as a part-time cleanup job evolved after he expressed interest in welding, leading to hands-on training under RM welders.
From cleanup crew to welding bay
Vince notes his shift from general labour to skilled trade started organically.
“I was working at the RM, just cleaning up, and then I got interested in welding and started hanging around the welding bay,” he says.
After connecting with supervisor Mr. Green, he secured an apprenticeship, now working mornings and attending classes in the afternoon.
“When there’s no school, I work full time. Been planning on doing this for a career.”
Balancing work, school, and opportunity
The schedule is demanding but rewarding, allowing Vince to graduate with a Red Seal certification pathway already underway. He adds that the RM team’s supportive environment makes the grind manageable.
“Pretty good crew, pretty easy going. Pretty busy, but easy going.”
By completing apprenticeship hours during high school, Vince reduces post-graduation training time—a strategic advantage.
“You leave high school with a lot less hours to do,” he continues. His advice to peers? “If you can get into [an] apprentice program, I would. It gives you a lot of opportunities.”
Vince’s story underscores the value of early trades exposure, blending education and real-world experience to forge a skilled career.
Career Development Coordinator Jason Green explains how the initiative bridges classroom learning and workplace training.
"For every 110 hours that an apprentice works, the province allows one high school credit up to eight. Kirby’s 1,000+ hours entitle him to eight credits serving as electives – he does core classes like math at PCI, then works afternoons at the RM."
The program pairs students with journeyperson mentors in 50+ skilled trades, offering minimum wage plus 10 per cent. Tuition for post-secondary technical training at institutions like Red River College is covered upon registration with Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Municipality praises partnership
RM of Portage Councillor Garth Asham highlights the community benefits.
"It’s a win-win -- Kirby learns welding and machine shop skills through hands-on work, while we gain a dedicated young technician. These school division partnerships are vital for building local workforces."
Vince, who began in carpentry before switching to welding, aims to work out west post-graduation. The HSAP allows students to start trades training at 16, with hours counting toward Red Seal certification. Green says 30 per cent of PCI’s senior students now explore apprenticeship options alongside traditional academics.