The Kamloops School District will received $30,000 for the Secondary School Apprenticeship program.
The funds from the Industry Training Authority will support the school district in placing students in grades 10, 11, and 12 in the trades program for the 2015-16 school year.
“Our province’s potential doesn’t lie only in natural resources, it’s also in our young people. That’s why a head start on apprenticeship training is an excellent investment in B.C.’s future,’ said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake.
Students will be placed with local employers to gain practical experience. Students in the program will earn credit towards their high school diploma, as well as the apprenticeship portion of their trades training.
“The youth play a pivotal role in sustaining B.C.’s future economic boom,” said Gary Herman, CEO Of the Industry Training Authority. “There are more skilled tradespeople retiring from the workforce than entering it, so we need to support the youth in trades training so they are ready to respond to the increasing demand in the labour market.”
Last year’s SSA registration numbers were the highest they have been since 2009. In 2014-15, 1,048 students were registered in SSA programs across B.C., which is 10 per cent more than in 2013-14.
The Industry Training Authority partners with the Ministry of Education to deliver four youth programs focused on awareness building of skilled trade careers, practical work experience, and apprenticeship technical training.
