School District 69 (Qualicum) was recognized Wednesday evening with an award — and funding — for a program that prepares students for apprenticeships in trades.
In a ceremony at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville, the Industry Training Authority presented SD69 representatives with the Youth Work in Trades Performance Award for having the highest program registration on Vancouver Island. The award includes $5,000 in additional funding to assist the district with the development of its Youth Work in Trades program, formerly called the Secondary School Apprenticeship.
The Jan. 11 stop was one of eight in the province on the ITA's 2016-2017 Regional Roadshow, which was launched to celebrate apprenticeship and acknowledge School Districts for setting students on the path to a successful career in the trades.
"Thanks to ITA's youth programs, I was able to discover and work towards a career I am passionate about while still in secondary school," says Alejandra Nolin, baker apprentice. "The program has really opened up my eyes to the opportunities available in the skilled trades, and has provided me with all the connections and tools I need to become successful in my trade."
The ceremony was attended by 25 employers, apprentices, educators and ITA representatives.
The Youth Work in Trades program is a dual-credit program that allows youth to begin their work-based training component of an apprenticeship while still in secondary school. As 80 percent of training takes place on the work site and 20 percent takes place in the classroom, it is important that school districts expose the skilled trades to students early in their education to build awareness about the opportunities available, and to help them get the hands-on experience that is a crucial component of their trades training journey.
"B.C. educators and the School Districts hosting ITA Youth Programs are crucial to the success of the apprenticeship journey across our province," says Gary Herman, CEO of ITA. "The Youth Work in Trades Performance Award was introduced to reward School Districts with strong youth programs, which have been instrumental in supporting youth in starting their apprenticeships in high school and helping them get a leg up in their careers."
As part of a recent $7.8M funding increase granted by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, ITA has expanded the Youth Work in Trades program to support and guide youth in securing employer sponsorship. The funding increase has made it possible for a greater number of districts to access this funding, and directly supports the goals outlined in B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to better prepare BC's youth for successful careers in the skilled trades.
"Our education system is adapting to suit today's young learner," says Mike Bernier, Education Minister. "There are certain skills that need to be developed in the workplace instead of the classroom. That is why apprenticeship programs are so important in creating a skilled and sustainable workforce."
— NEWS Staff and ITA submission