Secondary students continue to enroll and thrive in the many Career Programs offered in the district. Patti Tebbutt, District Principal of Career Programs reported to The Board that Career & Technical (‘C&T’) Program enrollment has continued to rise over the past six years, more than doubling to 216 students last year.
Program completion rates by students in C&T are 95%; and 100% of C&T students graduate high school. The district’s Secondary School Apprenticeship Program has been a provincial leader the past four years. The program exceeded a target of 175 students last year by enrolling 234 students – almost double from four years ago.
ACE IT program registration showed a 46% jump in registrations last year, compared to the previous year. Ms.Tebbutt provided details on the most popular programs for registrations, with Carpentry, Professional Cook and Electrical leading the choices by students. 2014 was a successful year for students in Skills competitions, with Abbotsford students winning 10 medals at the provincial event; and four medals at the nationals.
A major action for the coming years is establishing a district Middle School Career Development Plan.