Apprenticeship programs will continue in Abbotsford School District as the district is one of 26 in B.C. to receive funding from the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
A $40,000 grant will help fund the district Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) Program for the 2014/15 school year, a dual-credit program that allows students who are 15 years of age and over, in Grades 10, 11, or 12, to begin the work-based training component of an apprenticeship program while still in high school.
“By matching apprentices with potential employers, this program gives students the opportunity to explore a trade and decide if it is the right fit for them,” said Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson.
Through SSA programs, students “earn while they learn,” receiving credit toward both a high school diploma and an apprenticeship. In 2013/14, there were 952 new students registered in SSA programs across B.C., representing a 7.5 per cent increase from the previous school year. As of Oct. 31, 2014, there are a total of 1,732 youth apprentices registered in SSA programs in the province.
ITA’s youth programs focus on awareness building, practical work experience, and apprenticeship technical training. For more information on the youth programs ITA offers, go to www.itabc.ca/youth.