Students in the Vancouver School District are connecting with skills and technology training development thanks to a $17,500 grant to the district from the Province’s Shoulder Tappers Program.

Vancouver False-Creek MLA Sam Sullivan, Vancouver-Fraserview MLA Suzanne Anton, and Vancouver-Langara MLA Moira Stilwell announced this today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier. Students are receiving the supports, skills, and experiences they need for the jobs of tomorrow from the help of shoulder tappers―career co-ordinators and recruitment specialists.

These mentors are connecting students with innovative workshops and on-the-job opportunities in skilled-trades and technology careers, encouraging them with positive input and advice, and cultivating their passions.  

All 33 districts that applied met the requirements and received the 2016/17 grant. Twelve districts receive funding for similar programs under the Northern Development Initiative Trust and a further eight receive funding from the ministry as part of the Northern Opportunities Partnership or the South Island Partnership.  

The Shoulder Tappers Program supports B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, which is re-engineering the province’s education and apprenticeship system so training dollars and programs are targeted to in-demand jobs. It also supports the #BCTECH Strategy―a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse innovation economy.

Quotes:

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver False-Creek –

“The Shoulder Tappers Program offers students a distinct advantage in tomorrow’s job market by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.”

Suzanne Anton, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview –

“The Shoulder Tappers Program empowers students with the ability to follow the career path that best suits their own individual interests and talents, which will help them become the strong, passionate workforce we need to take B.C. into its bright future.”

Andrew Wilkinson, MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena –

“Shoulder tappers is a great place for students to start exploring the career that interests them the most and it prepares them to make a solid impression on future employers.”

Dr. Moira Stilwell, MLA for Vancouver-Langara –

“Success in any career depends on how well you are prepared for the workforce. Shoulder tappers give students the tools they need to gain experience and make an impression on potential employers.”

Learn More:

Explore B.C.’s new curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca

Read the #BCTECH Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

Learn more about B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

The B.C. government has launched a new parent-engagement process to better understand how parents want to be informed of their student’s success from kindergarten to Grade 9.  Participate in this process by visiting: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/yourkidsprogress

British Columbians can also join in an online discussion about rural education by visiting: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/ruraleducation