Allan Bishop
Special to the Chief
It is often said, "Time is money".
Five former students from the Howe Sound Secondary School (HSSS) 2005 graduating class found that out Tuesday night (Feb. 28) as they received Scholarship money for their graduation in the Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) program.
To receive the Scholarship, the recipients had to graduate in SSA with a minimum of 480-hours of workplace hours and a C+ average. They also had to still be in their apprenticeship six months after graduation.
The five recipients and their respective fields and placements were Sorav Bhanot (barber at Kurbascos Hair Tech), Denis Chasse (joinery and cabinetmaking at Suncoast Cabinets) Blayne Fode (automotive mechanics at Rattray's Auto Service), David Gamble (carpentry for Bradner Homes) and Mark James ( Heavy duty mechanics at Dean's Heavy Duty).
Each entered an apprenticeship in a field with which they had interest.
All said they were more than satisfied with their placements.
Blayne Fode summed up the experience.
"There wasn't a dull moment. It was intriguing," he said. "It enlarged my interest in automotives."
The five have to continue with their apprenticeships for the next four years, as well as take college or BCIT courses in their trade before they become licensed.
Principal Nancy Campbell presented the recipients with the scholarship cheque, Certificate of Completion From the Ministry of Education and Industry Training in recognition of completion of the SSA program, and a letter of congratulations from Minister of Education Shirley Bond.
"These are students who have an idea of what they want to do and pursue it actively," said Campbell. "They have to show that they want to do it and find an employer that will have them as an employee."
HSSS has been running the program since its inauguration in 1995. Linda Firbank has been the Career Programs teacher since 1995.
"I just think it's probably one of the best programs a student can get into." Firbank said of the SSA program. Firbank said the success of the program depended on local sponsors.
"At our district we don't have huge numbers, but the support from small businesses is tremendous," she said. "There are still more placements needed. One area specifically would be construction- framing or electrical or any areas in construction."Firbank is also hoping that Quantum College or Capilano College will offer trades courses locally.
