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Abbotsford school district receives $40,000 from Industry Training Authority

Money will go toward the Secondary School Apprenticeship program

The Abbotsford school district will receive $40,000 from the Industry Training Authority (ITA) towards the Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) program for the 2015/16 school year.

The funds will support the 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.

“Employers in the Abbotsford community continue to step up and provide our youth with the necessary work-based training opportunities to learn the skills of the trade,” said Patricia Tebbutt, district principal of the program.

She said students acquire the necessary mentorship to grow their skills, while employers benefit by claiming tax benefits and acquiring employees that fit their workplace.

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.

ITA partners with the Ministry of Education to deliver four youth programs focused on awareness building of skilled trades’ careers, practical work experience and apprenticeship technical training. These programs are Skills Exploration 10-12, Ace It, SSA and Yes-2-IT.