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Education January 8, 2009 Campaign Promotes Skilled Trades to Young Women The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, has a message for the young women of the province: Jump Start Your Life. This promotional campaign is designed to encourage female junior high students to register for skilled trades courses at the high school level. And young women are listening. Currently, females represent 25 per cent of course registrations in the six new courses that have been developed. "We are investing $11 million in a new high school skilled trades program," said Minister Burke. "The courses are practical and engage students in a variety of activities associated with technology and skilled trades � from simple construction and small engine repair, to the design and development of programs using computers and robotics. The program is an excellent way for students to explore the skilled trades which can offer endless opportunities and excellent pay for the province�s young women." As of this September, six courses have been developed under the Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology program � Skilled Trades, Design and Fabrication (levels I and II), Residential Construction, Energy and Power, and Robotics. More than 70 schools throughout the province are now offering new skilled trades courses, supported by approximately $20,000 worth of equipment at each school. With this equipment, students install ceramics and hardwood; they learn about smart-wiring and how to make homes greener; and they investigate alternate energy such as wind and solar power. It�s hands-on learning that introduces students to many interesting aspects of skilled trades and provides valuable, practical skills students can use in their homes. In November 2007, Minister Burke launched the promotional campaign with the theme: Power to Choose. Power to Create. Power to Achieve. Posters and informational brochures were provided to all junior high schools in the province. A website was also created which contains a host of information on the courses and what students can expect. " In resource industries, ocean technology and engineering and in many other growing and emerging sectors of our economy, the opportunities for young women are phenomenal," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "This is a very exciting time to be in the skilled trades in this province and skilled trades workers will play a key role in the development and success of all these sectors. We want to ensure our young women in junior high and high school are aware of, and exposed to, the meaningful career opportunities before them in the skilled trades."In recent years, the Provincial Government has invested significantly in skilled trades opportunities and training. Since 2006, over $53 million has been allocated in the areas of apprenticeship, science and technology, programming, training and infrastructure. A Skills Task Force has been established to provide strategic solutions to build the province�s skilled workforce. Scholarships have been designated specifically for skilled trades students, and contracts have been signed with labour unions to promote women in skilled trades. "The Provincial Government has a great track-record of supporting the development of a skilled labour force through enhanced training, particularly at the post-secondary level," said Minister Burke. "But with the new high school skilled trades program, the opportunity is available for younger students to explore skilled trades. The Jump Start Your Life campaign aims to ensure these opportunities are not lost on a significant part of our population � females." For more information about the Jump Start Your Life campaign, visit www.jumpstartnl.ca. -30- Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard 2009 01 08 10:50 a.m. |
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