The number of students getting hands-on experience last year with the Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) program was the highest since the 2009 pre-recession years, with more than 1,000 students registered across British Columbia.
Recognizing the benefits of young people pursuing these types of careers, the Industry Training Authority (ITA), which facilitates training in the trades and industry occupations in the province, is funding the Cariboo Chilcotin School District to the tune of $20,000 to support the SSA program throughout the 2015-16 school year.
The funds help place students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 with local employers to attain practical experience and gain credit towards their high school diploma and the apprenticeship portion of their trades training.
A local success story is that of Justin Shearer, 18, who's pursuing a commercial transport/heavy duty mechanic career. He successfully completed the SSA program as a Grade 12 student this summer with RJB Trucking in 100 Mile House.
“They help me every step of the way,” says Shearer, who was subsequently hired on with the company.
He adds the program is something he recommends to other students considering similar occupations.
Shearer's employer, Rhonda Brown of RJB Trucking, says their experience with the program, and their student, has been equally positive.
“We're very happy with him,” she says of Shearer. “We've noticed a big difference from when he started the program up until now, and he contributes to the shop quite a bit.”
Brown recommends other local businesses get involved if they can.
The SSA program is an excellent way to help young people get a head start into a career in trades, says Dave Corbett, School District 27 career programs co-ordinator.
“We have had a number of secondary students in the Cariboo Chilcotin benefit from this program and continue to see an increase as more and more students pursue an apprenticeship while still attending school.”
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says this region will need skilled workers in the years ahead and these students are in a prime position to earn those jobs.
“This funding will provide students with skills development through practical, hands-on experience.”
ITA chief executive officer Gary Herman says 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.”