North End Trades Discovery Initiative Announcement

MANITOBA GOVERNMENT PROVIDES NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS
WITH NORTH END TRADES DISCOVERY INITIATIVE

Students in elementary and high schools in Winnipeg’s North End neighbourhood will learn more about careers in the skilled trades through an innovative new program, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today.

“With Canada’s fastest-growing economy, Manitoba employers need tens of thousands of new skilled workers over the next decade,” said Minister Chief. “Fortunately, our neighbourhood has one of Canada’s youngest and fastest-growing demographics to help us meet that demand. This initiative will help north end students learn about opportunities that are waiting for them right here at home.”

The North End Trades Discovery Initiative is a partnership between Skills Canada Manitoba, the Community Education Development Association (CEDA), the Winnipeg School Division and the Manitoba government. The initiative will co-ordinate a range of programs and activities for students to learn about the skilled trades and gain first-hand experience.

“Together we can give north end kids a sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods and a tap on the shoulder that lets them know a career in the trades is possible for them,” said Minister Chief. “They’ll know many people who are working hard to help them succeed.”

The two-year initiative is funded with $78,000 from the province and will be available to students living in the Lord Selkirk Park, William Whyte, North Point Douglas and Dufferin neighbourhoods.

“The North End Trades Discovery Program will provide a range of opportunities for youth,” said Maria Pacella, executive director, Skills Canada Manitoba. “Skills Canada is proud to support young students living in the Lord Selkirk Park, William Whyte, North Point Douglas and Dufferin neighbourhoods as they begin the process of learning about the trades as a career option.”

“This initiative will help get even more students in Winnipeg School Division excited about their futures,” said Mark Wasyliw, board chair, Winnipeg School Division. “We are reaching them at an age when they are beginning to focus their studies and interests on what kind of career they want as an adult.”

“The Community Education Development Association is thrilled with the announcement of the North End Trades Discovery Initiative,” said Darlene Klyne, program director, Pathways to Education Program, CEDA. “This opportunity will help our young people learn about the trades from an early age and create an exciting avenue for young Aboriginal people. While working together on social enterprise projects in their community, they will be motivated to think about the trades as a career that creates meaningful employment at good wages and that can sustain a family for years to come.”

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The North End Trades Discovery Initiative has several levels of learning opportunities including:
• trades awareness experiences for Grade 5 and 6 students at David Livingstone, Niji Mahkwa and William Whyte schools with in-school projects and summer camp programs at R.B. Russell Vocational High School;
• opportunities for some Grade 7 and 8 students at Niji Mahkwa involved in the CEDA Pathways to Education Program to go on industry tours and experience an after-school trade activity at R.B. Russell Vocational High School; and
• trades awareness experiences for Grades 9 to 12 students involved in the CEDA Pathways to Education Program at Children of the Earth, R.B. Russell and St. John’s schools such as industry tours, after-school and summer programs, and participation in work co-operatives at social enterprises.

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