Six 2007 Howe Sound Secondary School graduates had cause to celebrate Tuesday evening (April 22) as they stood before family and friends to be acknowledged for completing the Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) program. "I'm proud of these graduates, and you should be too," beamed school principal Nancy Campbell during the SSA scholarship presentation. "They have shown confidence, commitment and tenacity."Campbell, vice-principal Stuart Bent and MLA Joan McIntyre presented each youth with a letter of congratulations from Shirley Bond, Minister of Education/Deputy Premier, a certificate of completion, and a cheque for $1,000 issued by the Province of British Columbia."You can see that everyone has been successful, and has found their focus, which can be a difficult task," said McIntyre.The Industry Training Authority and the Ministry of Education combined forces to create the SSA program. Its main goal is to encourage students to explore a trade, and give them a head start as much as two years ahead towards a career in the trades.Participant Eric Peterson did his apprenticeship with Bryan's Autobody and still works there. "[The placement] was a good way to get a head start on a job and a career," said Peterson. "I gained a lot of experience, and will use the $1,000 to help pay off my truck."Not only are students given the opportunity to gain experience in a trade while attending school, but they gain the equivalent of four courses in credit towards high school graduation. It also provides a smoother transition from school to work, and a faster route to certification in a trade and the earning power that goes with it.After graduation, if a student completes high school with a Grade 12 C+ average, finishes 480 hours as an apprentice and works in their trade for six months after graduation, they can apply for the $1,000 scholarship. Kyle Fortin did his apprenticeship with Pipeline Mechanical Ltd. He said he gained many hands-on skills during his year with the company, and is about to begin a plumbing journeymen's program in Vancouver. Fortin said that he's known for a while that he wanted to pursue the trades. "I figured going into the trades would be the best way for me to go - that's what I'm better at." He said he's thinking of using his money for tuition.A third participant, Tylor Potts completed one and a half years at his placement - Dean's Heavy Duty Repairs. "I gained a lot of knowledge and now I can help people," he said. "When friends come to me with a vehicle problem, I can help fix it." Potts said he'd like to use his $1,000 to buy tools.The other successful participants include: Gordon Booth, Kyle Burritt, and Madeline Nonis.B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell recently honoured the program's founder Linda Firbanks for her work, including the nurturing of relationships with employers in the community to ensure a variety of career opportunities for students.
