The first skilled trades program of its kind launches in Mississauga
/
Beginning September 2019, West Credit Secondary School will be home to the Peel District School Board's first Regional Skilled Trades program. The hands-on Regional Skilled Trades program provides experiential learning and career exploration opportunities while preparing students to meet skilled trades labour force demands locally, regionally and provincially.
"In Peel, we're committed to ensuring that every student receives high-quality education with many opportunities to achieve their personal goals, and build on their strengths and interests," says Adrian Graham, superintendent of curriculum and instruction support services. "This is why we're excited to expand the number of Regional Learning Choices Programs offered and try to help meet the growing demand for skilled trades workers."
Students in the Regional Skilled Trades program can choose to specialize in a number of trades preparation courses, including:
child development practitioner
construction technology
green industries
hairstyling and aesthetics
hospitality and tourism
manufacturing technology
transportation technology
"We're excited to open our doors to students from across the Peel region and to showcase the importance of the skilled trades," says Crissa Hill, principal of West Credit Secondary School. "Our facility is truly unique and features 12 different industry standard specialized technology education shops which will prepare our students with the skills, tools and training they need for apprenticeships, work and college pathways."
On Oct. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., families are invited to attend the Regional Skilled Trades Information Session and Skilled Trades Showcase event to learn more about the program, view the state-of-the-art facility, and meet with staff and industry professionals.
Applications for secondary Regional Learning Choices Programs, including Regional Skilled Trades, will open on Nov. 5 at 12:01 a.m. and close on Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. The Regional Skilled Trades program will be open to all students entering grade 9 in September 2019. To apply, visit www.peelschools.org/regionalprograms.
By partnering with industry partners and colleges, the Regional Skilled Trades graduates will gain hands-on skills and sector-specific certifications required for success in apprenticeships, college and the workplace.
The Regional Skilled Trades program and information night will be hosted at West Credit Secondary School, located at 6325 Montevideo Rd. in Mississauga. For more information about the Regional Skilled Trades program or to book a tour of the facility, visit www.regionalskilledtrades.com or call 905-858-3087 ext. 412.
Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) empower students by providing an opportunity to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. The Peel board provides secondary students from across Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon with 11 different regional programs. The entry point for all RLCP programs is grade 9 and are open to all eligible students. To learn more, visit www.peelschools.org/regionalprograms.
