Comox Valley School District 71 will receive $30,000 from the Industry Training Authority (ITA) for Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) program support for the 2015/16 school year.
The funds will support the school district in placing SSA students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 with local employers to attain practical experience. Students will “earn while they learn” and gain credit towards their high school diploma and the apprenticeship portion of their trades training.
“Learning goes beyond the classroom; it also about hands-on and practical experience. Apprenticeships are an effective way for students to develop the skills that will carry them throughout their careers,” said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae.
“This partnership between the provincial government, the Comox Valley School District and the ITA will help local students get the skills needed for the jobs that will be found at home on Vancouver Island.”
Last year’s SSA registration numbers were the highest they have been since the 2009 pre-recession years. In 2014-15, 1,048 students registered in SSA programs across B.C. representing an increase of more than 10 per cent over 2013-14.