Additional resources are being pumped into trades training at local high schools.
The North Okanagan-Shuswap and Vernon school districts are receiving funds for the Youth Work in Trades program.
“By making these investments in youth apprenticeship training programs in local school districts, we are giving students a head start on their journey to well-paying, family-supporting jobs,” said Greg Kyllo, Shuswap MLA.
North Okanagan-Shuswap will receive $30,000, while there’s $20,000 for Vernon.
The funds support school districts in placing Grades 10 to 12 students with local employers to attain practical experience. Students will earn a paycheque while gaining credit toward their high school diploma and the apprenticeship portion of their trades training.
“Preparing our students now for careers in the skilled trades is so important because there are more skilled tradespeople retiring from the workforce than entering it,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA.
“That means employers will be looking to fill these jobs with the most qualified candidates and we want local women and men to be at the top of the list.”