The Industry Training Authority (ITA), along with 48 employers, apprentices, educators and ITA representatives, gathered yesterday on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish people to award Gulf Islands School District 64 with the Youth Work in Trades Performance Award for having the highest number of Youth Work in Trades program registrants in the region. The award includes $5,000 in additional funding to assist the district to further develop their Youth Work in Trades program.

Youth Work in Trades is a dual credit program that allows youth to begin a paid work-based training component of a skilled trades apprenticeship while still in secondary school. As 80 per cent of trades training takes place on the work site and 20 per cent takes place in the classroom, it is important that school districts provide students with the opportunity to gain awareness of what a career in trades looks like and get a head start on the crucial hands-on experience required for their trades training.

“The Youth Work in Trades Performance Awards exemplifies how essential adult allies are to support and empower young people looking to get into the skilled trades,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “There are tremendous opportunities for young people in the skilled trades. We are committed to opening doors for the next generation as they build the best BC.”

“Youth are the future of skilled trades in BC,” says Shelley Gray, interim Chief Executive Officer, ITA. “We’re thankful for the dedicated and committed school districts and educators that connect students to local employers through the ITA Youth Work in Trades program.”

“The Gulf Islands School District values the important relationships that have been forged with local businesses in all of our island communities. These employers are partners in education, providing meaningful real-life lessons to our students in work experience and apprenticeship programs,” says Margaret Allison, Manager of Career Development and Community Initiatives, Gulf Islands School District 64. “Career programs represent a strong bridge between school and community. The steadfast mentorship that students receive on job sites and in places of business prepares them for success and strengthens their transition from school to life beyond.”

In addition to SD 64, seven other school districts received a Youth Work in Trades Performance Award. Each school district presented with the award is considered a top-performer supporting trades work experience within their region.

About the Industry Training Authority (ITA)

The Industry Training Authority (ITA) leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. ITA works with apprentices, employers, industry, labour, training providers and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.

(ITA Staff, Employer Sponsors, Members of SD64 and Apprentices and Families

Sheri Hambrook (Youth Work In Trades Teacher) presenting grants to students