Schools receive $4.5 million for career and technology studies improvements
Edmonton ... As part of Budget 2007, the province is providing $4.5 million to help Alberta schools enhance and improve existing facilities and equipment used for Career and Technology Studies (CTS).
“With CTS, students can achieve their goals of gaining job skills and exploring future careers while they attend school,” said Education Minister Ron Liepert. “CTS programs can lead to other learning opportunities, including the Registered Apprenticeship Program, where students can earn credits towards completing high school while gaining real world experience.”
CTS programs are a part of furthering the government's commitment to improving high school completion rates, one of the key actions of Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to improve Albertans' quality of life. Alberta Education is in the process of revising the CTS program, which includes helping students move smoothly through school towards further education and work. The program includes various courses such as digital design, legal studies, mechanics and cosmetology.
Funding will be allocated through conditional grants managed by Skills Canada Alberta, a not-for-profit provincial association, which showcases the promising futures to be found in trade and technology careers. Proposals will be assessed on various requirements including the school jurisdiction's plans on how CTS can help improve high school completion rates for their schools, strategies to prepare students for Skills Canada competitions, and meeting local industry needs. Details about how school jurisdictions can apply will be sent to superintendents before the end of the current school year.
“Skills Canada Alberta and CTS programs assist students to develop skills that will fast track their trade and technology careers,” said Chris Browton, Skills Canada Alberta Executive Director. “Improving CTS programs ensures students are well prepared to participate in our annual regional, provincial and national skill competitions. This interest will continue to grow as we look ahead to WorldSkills, the world's largest demonstration of skilled talent, which will be hosted in Calgary in 2009.”
Through CTS and apprenticeship programs, students develop skills ranging from carpentry and cooking to website design and welding. These skills will be on display when Skills Canada Alberta hosts the 15 th Provincial Skills Competition and Alberta's Largest Trade and Technology Career Fair on May 15-16 at Edmonton's Northlands Agricom. The event draws thousands of students from across Alberta to witness the exceptional display of skill and determination of over 600 high school and post-secondary students in 35 areas.
Other priorities under Premier Stelmach's plan to build a stronger Alberta are to: govern with integrity and transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans' quality of life and provide safe and secure communities.
