Province investing $100,000 in new career and technical education equipment

Many career and technical education classrooms in Island schools will soon have some new tools and equipment for classes like Intermediate Technology Education, automotive, carpentry and welding, says Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie.

“Whenever I visit a school, I can see how engaged students are when they are doing hands-on learning, so these classes help students get excited to come to school while also developing their innovation and critical thinking skills,” said Minister Currie. “When students are challenged to solve technical problems, it not only teaches them how to use tools, but it also provides a real-life opportunity to apply their math, literacy and problem-solving skills.”

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the Intermediate level provide students with an opportunity to engage in projects, develop their tactile skills using tools and equipment, and work in a collaborative environment to solve technical problems. This opportunity prepares students for the wide range of CTE courses that are available in high schools across the province which could include aerospace training, automotive, carpentry, robotics and welding.

The Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture has identified several schools in need of some updated equipment and will be working with principals and teachers at those schools to  purchase equipment that meets the needs of their students. The equipment could include portable and stationary wood working tools, along with a range of hand tools.

“Students enrolled in CTE programs learn real life skills to deal with real world challenges,” said Craig Taggart, Technical Education Teacher, Queen Charlotte Junior High. “This $100,000 funding will help ensure students and teachers in CTE classrooms continue to have the tools and equipment they need in these important programs, which help prepare our students for the future.”

Media contact:
Darlene Gillis
Communications Officer
ddgillis@gov.pe.ca
314-3128