Comox Valley Schools Awards Students For Completing Apprenticeships

Comox Valley Schools says 33 students enrolled in the Youth Work in Trades (YWT) program have been awarded $1,000 cheques for completing their apprenticeships.

“This is an amazing opportunity for students in the valley who are interested in going into the trades” says Steve Claassen, School District 71 careers coordinator for trades & ADST.

“We have a very strong careers department that supports these students at our schools.”

The bonus funding, sponsored by SkilledTradesBC and the Government of British Columbia, aims to incentivize and encourage students to pursue careers in the skilled trades, addressing the growing worker shortage in various industries.

District Careers Coordinator for Trades, Steve Claassen says there is a strong community connection between the school district and local businesses, providing students in the valley with remarkable opportunities to explore careers in trades.

The Ministry of Education and SkilledTradesBC currently provide this financial support to students who successfully complete 900 hours in the YWT program towards a Level 1 apprenticeship.

Murray Shold, program coordinator says the backing of the local business community is what is keeping the program going. He says without it, none of it would be possible for the students.

He says the 33 cheques handed out this year is the most they’ve ever issued through the program.

To learn more about the program, visit Youth Work in Trades.