May 27, 2014
Government Announces First of New Skill Build Shops in Manitoba High Schools
– – –New Centres to Create More Opportunities for Young People to Receive Skills Training for In-demand Jobs: Premier Selinger
As part of $30 million in new capital funding to build and expand high school training shops and take another step toward meeting Manitoba’s growing demand for skilled workers, the first of several new Skill Build Shops was announced today by Premier Greg Selinger.
“Parents want the very best for their children, like finding a good job, close to home. And Manitoba businesses want skilled young people to help meet the needs of our growing economy,” said Premier Selinger. “These new Skill Build Shops will give more young people the chance to train on the same technologies and equipment that are used in the real world, right in high school. For a lot of our children, this will set them on the path to more training and a good career.”
The new Skill Build Shops will give students opportunities to learn on cutting-edge equipment, earn high school credits, get practical work placement experience and get credit toward a certified apprenticeship as a part of the High School Apprenticeship Program, the premier said.
The first of the new Manitoba Skill Build Shops announced include:
- adding a major paint shop extension to the Kildonan East Collegiate auto body program, allowing more students to attend the program and take on more complex training; and
- expanding the major culinary arts pastry area at Kildonan East Collegiate, allowing for program growth in a state-of-the-art addition and equipment.
“We welcome and appreciate the funding announced by the province today. High school students throughout Manitoba will benefit greatly from the enhanced technical training facilities, which will translate into good jobs in the future,” says Peter Kotyk, board chair, River East Transcona School Division. “School boards and our provincial government understand investing in these programs can be costly, however in partnership, we are certain they will gain huge paybacks in the future for our students and our province.”
Earlier this year, the Manitoba government announced a new Skill Build Equipment Fund to upgrade classrooms and bring welding, electrical, carpentry and culinary arts equipment into schools across Manitoba. Premier Selinger said today’s announcement builds on this with $30 million to construct and expand new shops.
“As Manitoba grows, so does the demand for skilled workers. That’s why we’ve said no to cuts. Our strategy is to invest in our children, develop their skills and provide them with opportunities here at home in good jobs that will be in demand for years to come,” said Premier Selinger.
School divisions across Manitoba can now apply to the Public Schools Finance Board to identify new projects for consideration, the premier added.
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