In light of government�s recent $3.6 million investment in high-end equipment for the Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology program, the Department of Education is providing mandatory first aid training for all teachers piloting the new courses.

"Safety in school is the number one priority for the Department of Education and maximum safety standards must be met," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "Trades and technology teachers have received extensive professional development on safe and correct use of equipment. At the beginning of the courses, students receive safety training. We must remember, though, that students are using the same equipment that professionals use on a job site, such as bench grinders and miter saws. Skilled trades suites must be as safe as a worksite. We are taking our commitment to safety one step further by investing $40,000 to ensure all skilled trades teachers are well-versed in first aid procedures."

St. John Ambulance will provide a two-day training session in first aid. The training will take place in St. John�s, Gander and Corner Brook, with teachers from the surrounding areas attending the training closest to them. Teachers from Labrador will attend the Corner Brook session.

This is the first time that first aid training has been made available for technology teachers, and while it is initially being provided to skilled trades teachers involved with the pilot, the plan is for all technology teachers to eventually earn a first aid training certificate.

"We are making significant investments to ensure our students have the highest quality learning resources. This must be coupled with high safety standards. For example, professional development is being provided to science teachers so they have the necessary updated knowledge and abilities to safely operate in a laboratory setting. "We must also make sure our technology teachers understand the potential hazards and be ready to respond to any emergency," said Minister Burke.

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

2007 02 28                                                    10:15 a.m.