The Nanaimo school district career technical centre is looking to expand its programming for students.
The career technical centre affords students in the district the chance to start trades and technical programs during their Grade 12 year, partnering with Vancouver Island University. Students get dual credits which go toward both their high school diploma and post-secondary education.
“We’re always looking to expand opportunities for students, so what we’re doing right now is looking at other institutions. VIU is a terrific partner, but they’re limited in what they can offer,” said Derek Beeston, centre vice-principal. “We’ve … just finished setting up a new connection with Vancouver Community College to offer autobody repair and autobody paint and prep, so those are two new programs that are available.”
He said the centre is setting up an aboriginal introduction to trades program with the Mid-Island Metis Nation Association.
“We were trying to get it operating for this second semester, but there was just too much bureaucracy, so we’re putting it off until next year. We’re definitely going to run that one next year,” Beeston said.
Additionally, Beeston said the centre is looking to connect with Western Marine Institute in Cassidy to establish a summer marine deck hand program, with a work experience component.
“An introduction course so they can get a job with B.C. Ferries or Seaspan as an entry-level job and we’re looking at trying to set up some partnerships there to do some work experience,” said Beeston.
The centre is also considering a summer plumbing institute, as there is no plumbing offered on mid-Vancouver Island as a foundation program or an apprenticeship, Beeston said.
