Technology education gets a big boost

NLIS 4
March 24, 2006
(Education)

"All indicators show that a career in the skilled trades is a tremendous choice for students who are now considering their post-secondary options," said Education Minister Joan Burke. "Today, I am pleased to announce a total investment of $6 million to ensure our schools can provide opportunities for young women and men to explore their potential as skilled tradespersons. Budget 2006 will allocate $2 million for course development and the purchase and upgrading of equipment for schools. This will be paired with a $4 million investment in 2005-06 for machinery, tools and technology equipment. Through this significant investment, we will see the development of new skilled trades and technology education courses at high school, and improve technological literacy skills among all students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. Today�s announcement builds upon government�s plans, released yesterday in St. John�s, to establish a Skills Task Force. This task force will identify and develop strategies to ensure responsive training and education is available so that students can embrace the opportunities of our growing economy."

The minister made the comments during a visit to Stephenville High School. The school is one of at least 25 pilot schools in the province where the new Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology Program will begin this September. In the first year, two new courses, Skilled Trades 1201 and Design and Fabrication 1202, will be introduced with additional courses to follow. Eight new courses are expected to be implemented by 2010.

"Nationally, we are facing a shortage of skilled tradespersons and Newfoundland and Labrador is no different. These positions are crucial to growing our economy and government is taking action to address these current and future challenges," said the minister. "We will provide the means for high school students to take advantage of new opportunities to ensure that careers in the skilled trades become a viable option for more students.

Funding is also included for the completion of a technology plan and to enhance the use of technology from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This will include the acquisition of state of the art science and computer equipment, reflecting government�s blueprint commitment to ensure there is opportunity to strengthen students� information technology skills. The Department of Education will distribute a total of 1,200 computer systems to schools throughout the province. In addition, the department will enhance science instruction by providing modern, multi-purpose equipment including: digital, instructional cameras; electronic, top-loading balances; and advanced optical microscopes.

"We are delighted to make these important and strategic investments. To continue Newfoundland and Labrador�s growth, it is critical that our students are prepared to participate in and lead the economy in the coming years. With superior technical experience and advanced skills training, students will be well prepared to succeed in their post-secondary training and careers," said the minister.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

Backgrounder

Skilled Trades and Technology Education
Industry has been highlighting shortages of workers in the skilled trades. The Conference Board of Canada predicts over one million skilled tradespeople will be needed in the workforce by 2020:

between 1991 and 2001, there was a 3.8 per cent decline in the number of people working in skilled trade occupations and a similar decline is predicted over the next decade;

almost 50 per cent of businesses surveyed in 2003 said a shortage of qualified labour was one of the most important issues they face;

56 per cent of firms said they were forced to hire people who may not be suitable;

almost 30 per cent said they had foregone business opportunities;

recent projections estimate 913,000 skilled trade job openings between 2003 and 2015.

(Source: Skilled Trades: A Career You Can Build On, //www.careersintrades.ca/)

Many educators say that skills and technology training would be beneficial to students, particularly those who wish to pursue a career in the skilled trades and technology sectors. In recent years, high school and school board administrators have highlighted a need for practical hands-on courses for students. These courses would address gaps in the curriculum and provide more opportunities for students.

The infusion of $4 million ($2.5 million in 2005-06 and $1.5 million in 2006-07) in a new high school skilled trades and technology program is evidence of government�s commitment to providing current relevant curriculum and moving aggressively to develop a technologically literate society. New courses have been added in recent years to replace dated curriculum, and to ensure students have access to current learning material and learning resources. This $4 million investment is a huge step forward in modernizing our technology curriculum and in responding to the changes in the workplace. $3.6 million will be provided to cover the purchase of learning resources, tools and equipment for at least 25 pilot schools and $400,000 to cover the cost of curriculum development and teacher professional development.

Technology Integration
Research indicates that the best way to teach computer skills and develop technological literacy among younger children is to integrate the technology into learning across many different subject areas. Student�s best acquire technology skills while studying science, mathematics, reading, writing, art and social studies. This approach provides opportunities for students to use technology to research as well as develop and present projects. Meanwhile, schools point to an increasing need for the infrastructure (computers and other equipment) necessary to deliver quality instruction and engage students.

Government is responding to this need by investing $2 million in a K-12 Technology Integration Program. This includes:

500 new computer systems to enhance delivery of curriculum at the primary-elementary level (two computer systems per primary and elementary school across the province);

50 new computer systems to enhance the workstations in the 25 schools that will pilot the new skilled trades courses (two computer systems per pilot school);

300 new computer systems to supply each school in the province with a new high-end computer system and an accompanying flexible video camera system to support science instruction in K-12 classes (e.g., viewing of microscopic objects and capturing of detailed images);

a new microscope and balance set for each primary and elementary school;

a new microscope and Ray Box and Optics Set to each intermediate school;

an additional 350 refurbished computer workstations.

Overall, more than 1,200 new computer systems will be provided to the province�s schools by the Department of Education.

Technology Plan
There is a significant need to place current and emerging technologies within an educational context and provide an overall vision and plan for both the integration of technology and the development of future curricula. To address this need, government will fund a provincial technology plan. The department and school districts will work together over the next 12 months to develop a provincial technology plan. Initial implementation will include special technology projects and innovative practices piloted in a variety of education settings.

2006 03 24 11:05 a.m.

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