The new Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology program is a huge hit with students, teachers and parents alike. Though the program is only in year one of a three-year pilot, schools and school boards are reporting that students are highly interested, parents are asking questions, and teachers are relishing the new equipment in their skilled trades� suites.

"Government has allocated $4 million for this initiative. We believe it is money well spent," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "This is the first time since 1982 that government has invested this kind of money in skilled trades programming. We have bought equipment, machinery, tools and software that will appeal to all students. This is more than the old industrial arts program many parents would be familiar with. It�s exciting, it�s relevant, and students are embracing the very real opportunities in the skilled trades� fields."

To date, more than $3 million has been spent in support of the new programming. Two courses are being piloted in 30 schools over the next two years, with the goal of implementing eight new courses by 2010. To support this extraordinary investment, government has also spent $100,000 for extensive professional development. Ten days of training have been made available to ensure technology teachers are fully knowledgeable about the new equipment and well-versed in safety standards.

Teachers are embracing this program with gusto. In fact, some teachers have delayed retirement plans to be part of the initiative. Mr. Gonzo Bennett, a teacher at Mount Pearl Senior High, is one of the pilot teachers and is thrilled with the new program. "A program like this is very timely, both in the need to revitalize industrial arts and in its focus on skilled trades. Students are keen to be a part of these courses, and are motivated to learn and succeed because of the course material, as well as the outlook for careers in these areas."

Another initiative to prepare students for a career in skilled trades is a $2 million investment in a technology integration program. Through course development and equipment upgrades, students can improve their skills in technology and decide if a career in skilled trades is for them. To support the department�s renewed focus on skilled trades at the K-12 level, two new program development specialist positions have been created � one for skilled trades and technology, and one for technology integration.

"Departmental staff for the K-12 system are working with their post-secondary counterparts to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college. It is important that there is a good transition from the new skilled trades� courses into the post-secondary skilled trades and apprenticeship programs. Interest in skilled trades in high school can translate into a successful college training program and a lucrative career, right here in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Burke.

The minister added that in addition to significant funding commitments to K-12 skilled trades and technology programming, there have been numerous investments that will strengthen students� experience in post-secondary education as well. Some investments include:

• $200,000 for advanced training for faculty at College of the North Atlantic;
• $1.5 million for new skilled trades programs at the college;
• $1 million for the development of two high tech programs at College of the North Atlantic targeted at the oil and gas industry;
• $600,000 for an Apprenticeship Training Program that will address the shortage of skilled trades workers at Memorial University and in government buildings;
• $200,000 for a contract with the Industrial Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to increase female representation in skilled trades;
• 25 scholarships valued at $2005 each from the Province of Alberta are being used in this province to support apprenticeship students; and
• the establishment of the Skills Task Force. The Skills Task Force will help identify skills requirements, especially those related to large-scale development projects.

-30-

Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 01 03                                                     9:25 a.m.