The Mission school district will receive $20,000 from the Industry Training Authority (ITA) for Secondary School Apprenticeship program support for the 2015/16 school year.
The funds will support the district in placing 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.
“Being a small district, every dollar counts. The Secondary School Apprenticeship Grant will help the ongoing work done in the Mission school district to support the engagement of youth in trades,” said Wade Peary, principal of Riverside College.
“We are now taking the student out of the classroom and honouring their learning while working in a skilled trade. With over 100 trade programs in B.C., there really is something for everyone.”
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 programs across B.C., representing an increase of more than 10 per cent from 2013-14.
“This funding will provide students with skills development through practical, hands-on experience,” said Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson. “These students will help meet the needs in the future for skilled workers.”
Literacy funding
The provincial government is granting $29,600 to Mission Literacy in Motion to provide residents of Mission with the literacy skills they need.
“Community adult literacy programs deliver training close to home,” Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson said. “Helping adult learners improve their reading and writing permits them to enter skills training programs and secure a good job.”
The grant comes from the $2.4 million government has invested in community adult literacy programs in 75 B.C. communities in 2015-16.
Funding is distributed to non-profit community groups to offer free literacy training that is easily accessible in local places such as schools, Aboriginal friendship centres and community centres.
The program is tailored to suit the needs of any adult with low-literacy ability, and is delivered by trained volunteers offering one-to-one tutoring or small-group classes.