On Tuesday, March 6, 2018 the Industry Training Authority (ITA) visited Cowichan where 38 employers, apprentices, educators and ITA representatives gathered to award the Cowichan Valley School District with the Youth Work in Trades Performance Award for having the highest program registration in the region. The award includes $5,000 in additional funding to assist the district with the development of their Youth Work in Trades program.
Staff, employers and youth apprentices celebrating on March 6, 2018.
Prior to 2016, the school district saw about three to four youth apprentices each year. In the 2016-17 school year, that number climbed to 31 active youth apprentices. This year, we have over 50 active apprentices in the system, with more more ready to begin and more registering every day. Hair stylists, professional cooks, mechanics…the opportunities for Cowichan Valley youth are endless, thanks in part to the support of local employers and our post-secondary partners like Vancouver Island University Cowichan Campus.
The Youth Work in Trades program is a dual credit program that allows youth to begin a paid work- based training component of an apprenticeship while still in secondary school. Generally, as 80 per cent of training takes place on the work site and 20 per cent takes place in the classroom, it is important that school districts expose the skilled trades to students early in their education to build awareness about the opportunities available, and to help them get the hands-on experience that is a crucial component of their trades training journey.
In addition to SD 79, seven other school districts received a Youth Work in Trades Performance Award. Each school district presented with the award is considered a top-performer supporting trades work experience within their region.
For more information, read the ITA’s news release.