SD52 to get share of Trades training funding from ITA

An Industrial trades training program found in 46 school districts across the province is a little more flush in cash today, that after an announcement of additional funding from the Industry Training Authority.

It makes for money that will work towards supporting School Districts as they look to connect students with local employers to attain practical experience in the trades.

Yesterday, the organization along with a pair of Ministers from the British Columbia government outlined how the 1.2 million dollars in funding will be allocated, with School District 52 set to receive 20,000 dollars towards trades training on the North Coast.

"Introducing trades programs to young people while they're still in high school gives them a flavor of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, ... Trades students are the ones who will be building our homes, schools, roads and hospitals. To ensure labour market demands are met, it is crucial that we equip young people with the right skills for the job opportunities of today and tomorrow." -- Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training

 "High school is a pivotal time for young adults to discover their strengths and passions and develop the skills to take them through life, ... It's important for them to have all options and opportunities in front of them so they can make the best career decision to enable them to lead successful, meaningful and prosperous lives. A career in the skilled trades is a fulfilling way to make a living, so I am pleased that so many great ITA programs are available to the future innovators and builders of our province." -- Rob Fleming, Minister of Education

The Youth Work in Trades program is a dual credit program directed towards students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 and marks the start of their journey through the province's apprenticeship program.

Students will earn a pay cheque while gaining credit toward their high school diploma and the work-based training portion of their trades apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job and classroom training and typically takes four years to complete.

Other School Districts in Northwest BC also received funding for their trades training programs, they included the Bulkley Valley School District which receives $20,000 and the Coast Mountain District which also received $20,000.

The 1.2 million dollars in funding is part of a 7.56 million dollar commitment by ITA for Youth Trades training in British Columbia, further notes on the Monday funding announcement can be reviewed here.

You can learn more about the Youth Work in Trades program here.

A video presentation from ITA BC also highlights some of the success of the program.



Further notes on items related to Education in Prince Rupert can be found here.

A wider overview of education in the Northwest is available here.