NB 712
May 13, 2008
SAINT JOHN (CNB) - A three-year plan to restructure and improve the anglophone school system's Skilled Trades and Technology Education (STTE) program was unveiled today by Education Minister Kelly Lamrock.
"Increasing trade and technology course options in New Brunswick high schools was a commitment we made in the Charter for Change," Lamrock said. "With the growing demand for skilled tradespersons in our province, it is imperative that we provide students with a variety of career pathways."
The new STTE program contains 10 major initiatives designed to provide opportunities for students to practise critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and other essential 21st century skills, with content, curriculum and tools that are relevant and current.
Students who graduate from the STTE program will be knowledgeable about career opportunities in the skilled trades, and will have the information necessary to make confident, informed choices about their post-secondary education options.
One of the 10 major initiatives of the STTE program is to ensure a seamless transition from high school to skilled trades training by collaborating with the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
During a visit today to Simonds High School in Saint John, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Lamrock and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Ed Doherty to move this initiative forward.
Under the MOU, the two departments will work together to develop dual enrolment opportunities where community colleges recognize high school credits in their programs. This collaboration will lead to high school students receiving credit for work done in trades-related high school courses.
"This is a very positive development that will help increase the number of New Brunswick students making the transition from high school to community college programs," Doherty said. "As outlined in the Charter for Change, we want to generate opportunities and partnerships such as this to promote the skilled trades. To achieve our shared goal of self-sufficiency, New Brunswick needs its young people to be aware of their options and equipped with the skills to pursue their goals."
Another major component of the STTE program is to strengthen partnerships with industry to enrich course offerings to students. Education has many active partnerships, including four with New Brunswick housing manufacturers: Kent Homes, Prestige Homes, Hospitality Homes and Maple Leaf Homes. Each of the companies provides job site training and experiential learning for students.
"Partnerships with industry will help us revitalize the Skilled Trades and Technology Education program," Lamrock said. "These partnerships give students and teachers valuable insight into current industry practices and career opportunities."
Another key part of restructuring the STTE program has been an investment of $2 million over the past two years to retrofit and enhance shop facilities and to provide professional development for teachers.
"We recognize the value of preparing students for their own future and the future of New Brunswick," Lamrock said. "By improving technical and vocational education opportunities, we will help our youth achieve career success and move toward achieving self-sufficiency for New Brunswick."
The new STTE program is part of the Model Schools Project. Announced May 12, the Model Schools Project will research better teaching and leadership practices in high schools, to challenge students with real-world issues and problems that must be solved through a holistic application of math, science and literacy skills. Among other initiatives, model schools will use a project-based learning approach to develop critical thought and problem-solving skills across the entire curriculum.
Restructuring and improving the Skilled Trades and Technology Education program, and the other 140 specific actions outlined in When Kids Come First, will advance the Province of New Brunswick toward its objective of building the best education system in the country.
08/05/13
MEDIA CONTACTS: Jason Humphrey, communications, Education, 506-444-4714; Elaine Bell, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
08/05/13
