December 1, 2014
Manitoba Government Announces Renovation, Expansion of Shops Classes at R. B. Russell School
– – –Revitalization Will Create Increased Opportunities for Apprenticeship Training, Industry Job Experience for Students: Minister Bjornson
The Manitoba government is investing in major renovations at R. B. Russell Vocational High School to expand and revitalize several key skills training programs, allowing them to move toward apprenticeship accreditation and provide increased opportunities for students, Education and Advanced Learning Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
“The Manitoba government is focused on creating good jobs and skills-training opportunities for students that match the needs of industry,” said Minister Bjornson. “The additional space created by this renovation will help to strengthen industry partnerships and provide more students with the opportunity to get the hands-on experience they need to enter the trades and get a head start on an apprenticeship.”
As part of the revitalization, the recently accredited building construction and carpentry program will be reconfigured and expanded to create a new larger shop, including new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, which will be able to accommodate more substantial construction projects and more students.
The project will also see equipment in the welding program upgraded and replaced in order to meet apprenticeship standards for a Level I accredited welding program. The welding program provides students with entry-level skills for the welding and metal fabrication industries including principles of various types of welding, trade-related math, blueprint reading, safe work and problem solving.
“Welders are increasingly in demand in our industry,” said Ricky Lawrence, director, training and development, New Flyer Industries. “That’s why we’re pleased to partner with R. B. Russell School to provide students with the opportunity to experience the work environment through job shadowing and get exposure to the potential of manufacturing careers.”
In addition, the landscaping, horticulture and small-engine repair shop will be expanded into a larger space to allow for increased enrolment and opportunities for more students to work and mentor with community groups, industry partners and post-secondary programs, the minister said. Upgrades will include mechanical and electrical upgrades, new equipment purchases and the construction of a new 2,500 sq. ft. greenhouse adjacent to the new space. Following the expansion and upgrading of facility space, the program will be able to meet accreditation standards through Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Minister Bjornson said the improvements to skills programs at R. B. Russell will strengthen existing industry linkages including partnerships between:
- the welding program and companies like New Flyer Industries to provide students with industry experience;
- the building construction and carpentry program, and organizations like Carriage House to renovate a family home; and
- the landscaping, horticulture and small-engine repair program, and organizations like TNT Seeds and Fort Whyte Alive.
The Manitoba government has launched a comprehensive skills strategy with targeted investments in schools to provide students with access to state-of-the-art equipment that will create a pathway to post-secondary education and good jobs, the minister said.
This includes:
- a new, $30-million Skill Build Shops fund to build and expand trades and skills shops in high schools;
- a new, $1-million career development fund to ensure students leave high school with a good idea of where they want to go and how to get there, whether it is through a university, college, work placement or on-the-job training and apprenticeship; and
- a new, $1-million Skill Build Equipment fund to upgrade classrooms to an apprenticeship-accredited level and bring welding, electrical, carpentry and culinary arts equipment into schools.
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