Occupational Areas

In CTS, an occupational area is a grouping of courses that focuses on the attitudes, skills, knowledge, and values related to specific areas of work. Each occupational area is comprised of a group of courses designed to support positive career and occupational opportunities for students.

Additionally, occupational areas

• provide a context specific to a pathway (a selection of courses providing students with opportunities to explore a career that is personally relevant)
  
  
• focus teaching and learning by relating similar knowledge, linking shared skills, guiding career exploration, allowing students to make informed career choices, associating common interests, and linking education with relevant real-world experiential activities

A trade represents a credentialed pathway identified by Alberta Advanced Education’s (AE) Apprenticeship and Industry Training where students acquire a set of skills and abilities leading to journeyperson credentials. These pathways have been validated to align with post-secondary and industry standards. Students may take these courses for senior high school credit only, or they may choose to write the external articulation examination. Instruction in these courses must be provided by an individual with journeyperson certification in that trade.

For more information on Apprenticeship and Industry Training, visit the Alberta Advanced Education website and Tradesecrets.

Vist the Red Seal website for more information on the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program (also known as the Red Seal Program) and its value.