Youth Train in Trades tour showcases student achievement
June 28, 2017
Justin Armstrong was only one example of success from the Trades programs at the Langley School District. He had an aptitude for science and math, but dropped out of grade 11 to work. He then headed back to finish his schooling. During this time, he was recruited for the plumbing program by teacher, Jeff Dickson. Since graduating the program, he went on to start his own business, and now hires kids from the plumbing program at LSS.
He was one of the many success stories told during the district Youth Train in Trades tour on June 26. The purpose of the tour: to show off the amazing programs offered at a variety of schools in the district, and to discuss how they can benefit students.
What was previously known as the ACE-IT program, Youth Train in Trades offers many different trades programs for secondary students in Grades 11 and 12. They include plumbing, carpentry, hair dressing, electrical, culinary arts, horticulture, and automotive. Though the programs take place during their high school years, most of them are at the post-secondary level.
For the plumbing program at LSS, teacher Dave Lalley said, “It’s not about giving them a grade, it’s about giving them the industry standard.”
The course loads for these programs, being post secondary, require dedication from the students. Though, they meet it almost every time. According to Lalley, ninety percent of his students go on to be certified and continue their education at BCIT, and do better than most of the adult learners there.
Tears were shed when instructor, Laura Dawe, shared the success of students in the Professional Cooking 1 course. For some struggling students, the course has made them strong learners, and has helped them find a passion for their future career.
One student, Kaytlin, talked about how she worked in the program with a learning disability, she struggles with her memory. With her peers and the help of one of the staff members, she has overcome her challenges, and is on her way to fulfilling her dream of working in the kitchens on cruise ships.
The tour’s lunch was prepared and catered by the PC1 students at Walnut Grove Secondary.
Work experience looks different from program to program, but they all have the same result. By graduation, students walk away with several hundred hours of practical experience towards working in their field or continuing studies at the post-secondary level.
In the plumbing program, for instance, students are given paid summer work placements, where they are expected to show up on time and work. For some it is an eye opener, considering they can be fired for bad behaviour. Though, in the end, employers are always satisfied with the work being done. They now approach the program in order to find students to work for them during the summer.
Many of these programs are being taught through Kwantlen Polytechnic University, BCIT, or other post-secondary institutions, and lead into certification programs, including the Red Seal program, after graduation. In the end, they are a major head start into a career for students. Despite these programs being post-secondary, high school students don’t pay tuition.
For more information about the program visit here: Youth TRAIN in Trades Langley