Students in the Abbotsford school district are connecting with skills and technology training development thanks to a $17,500 grant to the district from the province’s Shoulder Tappers Program.
Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas, Abbotsford West MLA Mike de Jong, and Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson announced the grant on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier.
Students are receiving the supports, skills, and experiences they need for the jobs of tomorrow from the help of shoulder tappers – career co-ordinators and recruitment specialists.
These mentors are connecting students with innovative workshops and on-the-job opportunities in skilled-trades and technology careers, encouraging them with positive input and advice, and cultivating their passions.
All 33 districts that applied met the requirements and received the 2016/17 grant.
Twelve districts receive funding for similar programs under the Northern Development Initiative Trust and a further eight receive funding from the ministry as part of the Northern Opportunities Partnership or the South Island Partnership.
The Shoulder Tappers Program supports B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, which is re-engineering the province’s education and apprenticeship system so training dollars and programs are targeted to in-demand jobs.
It also supports the #BCTECH Strategy – a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse innovation economy.