Squamish’s school district has won $5,000 in additional funding as part of an award from the Industry Training Authority.
A news release from the authority says the Sea to Sky School District received the Youth Work in Trades Performance Award for the highest number of students in trades training in its region.
Seven other school districts have received this award.
It’s an accomplishment that has earned accolades from the province.
“Congratulations to Sea to Sky School District for partnering with the ITA in order to deliver the highest standard of trades training to students in the region,” said Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark in the news release.
“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.”
One student spoke of how the program helped him forge a career path.
“The trades program has helped me a lot in deciding what I ultimately want to do with my life. Without this program and the hands-on experience it gives, I would probably be taking some random courses at university, trying to figure out what path to take. Now, I have a great job and opportunities for the future,” said Devon Bailey, an automotive service technician apprentice who took the program in the Sea to Sky, in the release.
The Industry Training Authority noted that School District 48 is helping students on a path to success.
“The Sea to Sky School District, teachers, and employers in the program are providing students with crucial hands-on experience that is required for their apprenticeship training,” said CEO Shelley Gray in the release.
