Industry Training Authority continues to support trades training in Abbotsford School District

Submitted –

B.C. Government Caucus
News Release

September 14, 2015

Industry Training Authority continues to support trades training in Abbotsford School District

ABBOTSFORD – Abbotsford School District will receive $40,000 from the Industry Training Authority (ITA) for Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) program support for the 2015/16 school year.

The funds will support Abbotsford School 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,” District Principal, Career Programs Patricia Tebbutt said. “Secondary School Apprenticeship is a win-win for everyone. Students acquire the necessary mentorship to grow their skills and employers benefit by claiming tax benefits and acquiring employees that fit their unique workplace conditions and help grow their business.”

Last year’s SSA registration numbers were the highest they have been since the 2009 pre-recession years. In 2014-15, 1048 students registered in SSA programs across BC representing an increase of more than 10% over 2013-14.

“This funding provides practical experience for students entering the trades,” Abbotsford-South MLA Darryl Plecas said. “Gaining these skills prior to graduation will help fill in-demand jobs of our growing economy.”

“The youth play a pivotal role in sustaining B.C.’s future economic boom,” ITA CEO Gary Herman said. “There are more skilled tradespeople retiring from the workforce than entering it so we need to support the youth in trades training so that they are ready to respond to the increasing demand in the labour market.”

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: SKILLS EXPLORATION 10-12; ACE-IT; SSA; AND YES-2-IT.

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Contact:

Ashley Stewart
B.C. Government Caucus Communications
250-387-8589

Susan Kirk
Director of Communications, ITA
Tel: 778.785.2410
Cell: 604.307.2122
Email: skirk@itabc.ca

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