Industry Training Authority News Release: Student Participation in Work in Trades Program earns Sunshine Coast SD46 Youth in Trades Award from Industry Training Authority
“Work in Trades has allowed me to learn and grow my skills in many areas.”
Gibsons – Sunshine Coast School District 46 has received the Industry Training Authority (ITA) Youth Work in Trades Performance Award for the highest number of new youth apprentices in trades training in their region.
“Congratulations to Sunshine Coast School District for partnering with the ITA in order to deliver the highest standard of trades training to students in the region,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Our government is helping support B.C. youth in every corner of the province to explore dynamic career opportunities in the trades while also acquiring their high school credentials. I am so proud of all the young people who are pushing the envelope and finding their passion in the trades. As Minister, I sincerely believe that a Red Seal certification is just as valuable as a degree.”
ITA’s Chief Executive Officer Shelley Gray thanked all partners for helping students on a path to success. “The Sunshine Coast School District, teachers, and employers in the program are providing students with crucial hands-on experience that is required for their apprenticeship training.”
“Work in Trades has allowed me to learn and grow my skills in many areas,” said Lily Nason, student of SD46 and apprentice at Entre Deux Mers Bistro. “I get hands-on training and experience with a certified Red Seal chef every time I go to work. I learn how to work in a team and stay calm during stressful situations. I get to experiment with creative ways of making delicious food. I still have a lot to learn, but I am enjoying every minute of it.”
The award includes $5,000 in additional funding to assist the district to further develop their Youth Work in Trades program. Seven other school districts received a Youth Work in Trades Performance Award.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to try a career choice while they are in school, with the support of a teacher and the employer sponsor,” said Cathy Gordon, District Careers Coordinator, SD46. “Communication, collaboration, and critical thinking are taught and practiced in the Work in Trades course as the student works in the job with certified journeyman. The course definitely prepares the student for a successful career in the trades after graduation.”
Businesses that are interested in hiring a youth apprentice can contact Cathy Gordon at cgordon@sd46.bc.ca.
About the Industry Training Authority (ITA)
The Industry Training Authority (ITA) leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. ITA works with apprentices, employers, industry, labour, training providers and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards, and increase opportunities in the trades. For more information, visit itabc.ca.
Media Contact
Nicole Adams
Director of Communications
Industry Training Authority
604-364-1039
nadams@itabc.ca