As a business owner, I fully appreciate and support the trade programs the Fraser-Cascade School District 78 board has in place for our students. I see first-hand with my two student employees the direct benefit these programs have for them and the valuable difference it makes in their lives.
Both are currently enrolled in a senior secondary apprenticeship program through Hope Secondary School that directly connects them through a shared agreement with my business.They will each receive $1,000 after the successful completion of 900 hours of work from the Industrial Trades Authority. One is currently enrolled at UFV and starting an auto body program. This opportunity began with a portable welding program the board brought to HSS for senior students to complete a full semester program dedicated solely to welding. After successful completion he decided to use these valuable learned skills to pursue a career in the auto body industry. In the past, students interested in trades were totally on their own after high school graduation. This is not the case now because of insightful thinking and planning from the board to create a relationship agreement with the University of the Fraser Valley. This agreement allowed him free tuition and reserved seating at the UFV in auto body repair.
There are a complete host of other trade programs available as well through this agreement for students. The entire application process was completed at HSS in conjunction with District Vice Principal, Careers and Transitions, Karl Koslowsky making this a seamless transition to UFV. He mentioned to me that 18 students last year went on to UFV for trades through this arrangement.
I know one thing for sure — this program, agreement and process made a difference where it really counts and that is with the students.
My other employee is excited to be signed up for the welding program coming back to the district this fall. I fully support the welding program where I can be of assistance and am committed to supporting the upcoming Heavy Metal Rocks program where students operate machines such as loaders and excavators in a controlled and safe environment with a company that specializes in this field.
The board’s partnership arrangement with this company again represents forward thinking that makes a real difference. These and other valuable programs create real life learning experiences that hopefully provide students with insight and clarity while they are still in school. As a former member of the District of Hope’s council, I can appreciate these programs and opportunities for students only happen when people with a vision work together in a respectful manner through committee meetings and board discussions.
Regardless of what you may read in the newspaper, it is clear to me there are enough trustees on our school board that make a significant difference for the students they were elected to serve.
Ray Zervini
Owner, Canyon Cable NAPA
Hope
