Several high school students from Kootenay Lake’s School District 8 are exploring their interests in the trades this semester through the SD8 Trades Sampler program.
The six-month Trades Sampler program rotates annually between Mount Sentinel Secondary School and Salmo Secondary School. It’s offered in partnership between SD8 and Selkirk College’s Silver King Campus.
This year’s intake, which is a month in, has nine Grade 10 students and one Grade 12 student enrolled.
A press release from SD8 says students in the program study at the college for a full semester and then return to school next fall with 12 credits toward graduation.
Students also return with a variety of new skills and experiences, as well as eligibility for SD8’s Youth Train in Trades program and Youth Work in Trades Apprenticeships, in their path to completing Grade 12 and pursuing a career in the trades.
The Trades Sampler program teaches basic trades theory, safety and first aid, and allows students to try their hand at carpentry, welding, heavy-duty mechanics, millwright/machining, and electrical work.
Students also spend one day per week back in their high school classrooms learning about career education and material science.
“My first day [in the program] is probably the most I’ve learned in one day of school ever,” said Grade 10 student Isaiah Harris.
“It’s cool to be in actual college trades shops and not sitting down all day. I’m really interested in engines and mechanical things. I see lots of work opportunities in the Slocan Valley.”
The program provides trade-curious students with the opportunity to sample five Red Seal trades from Selkirk College instructors in professional-grade shops in a college setting, as well as the ability to learn what skills, training, and knowledge each trade requires.
Students can also earn workplace safety certificates in WHMIS and Occupational First Aid 1.
Young worker safety education is also embedded throughout the program.
SD8 says participating students have reported that the program makes the transition from high school to college smoother, as they are familiar with the campus and are able to make an informed decision about their education.
“These 10 students hit the ground running this year. In previous years, I’ve seen the same excitement and sense of self-discovery,” said Selkirk College Industry and Trades Training School Chair Rob Schwarzer, who leads the program alongside SD8 trades training coordinator and teacher Brent Firkser.
“I’ve heard students say, ‘I realize that I like to learn. I’m just learning things that I’m really interested in now,’ or ‘Dude, I hated school, and now I’m getting 95 per cent.’ What they’re expressing is that the trades are more aligned with who they are, how they learn, and present relevant goals for their life.”
The program culminates with four weeks of paid or volunteer on-the-job training in a trade of interest. It also aligns with SD8’s Career Development Action Plan, which focuses on empowering students to explore diverse career pathways and increase collaboration with community partners.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNowNews Alerts.
