Students in the Abbotsford 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.

Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas, Abbotsford West MLA Mike de Jong, and Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson 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:

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South –

“The Shoulder Tappers Program is a fantastic opportunity for students to zero-in on a career focus that suits their own interests and talents.”

Mike de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford West –

“There is no better source of advice than someone who has worked in an industry and can offer their insight to a young person at the beginning of their career.”

Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –

“A rewarding and successful career starts with preparation and a grasp of fundamentals, which the Shoulder Tappers Program can provide.”

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