Putting Students First in Shelburne

An expanded Skilled Trades Program and renovations at Shelburne Regional High School are providing students with more learning opportunities and preparing them for good jobs.

On behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau today, April 30, opened the newly renovated skilled trades centre and launched the school's Transportation Trades 11 course.

"Through Kids and Learning First, the province is investing in programs that meet the needs of students who want to work and live here in the province," said Mr. Belliveau.

"By providing quality programs in state-of-the-art centres in high schools across the province, we are letting students explore the trades in a hands-on, minds-in way."

The province, with the support of the Tri-County School Board, has provided the skilled trades centre with a garage door, new tools and equipment and storage space.

The Transportation Trades 11 course is introducing students to career options such as an automotive service technician and motorcycle mechanic. The course was designed by industry professionals and allows students to work on the same cars, engines and equipment, with the same tools and materials used by professional automotive service technicians.

The school also offers Skilled Trades 10 and Construction Trades 11 courses.

"Transportation Trades 11 gives us an opportunity to get away from a desk and learn some real life skills," said Shelburne High student Andy VanBuskirk.

By the end of the school year, 185 students will have considered the skilled trades as a career option since the courses were introduced in February 2009.

"Skilled Trades are providing our students with the opportunity to experience a level of professionalism and real life simulation of the work place," said school principal Mary Manning.

"It is also encouraging to see the number of young women who are enrolling in the courses. This has certainly opened up new possibilities for students."

Under the education plan, Kids and Learning First, the number of schools offering skilled trades will double over the next four years from nine to 18 and a new manufacturing course linked to shipbuilding will be piloted in September 2013.

The province has funded extensive renovations in high schools to create Skilled Trade centres which are fully equipped with tools and equipment. Students are also provided appropriate personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses and safety shoes.