Skills trades to be taught

Riverview, Richmond schools to get centres

Students at Richmond Academy and Riverview High will have access to more hands-on learning opportunities when the province expands its skilled trades centres program.

The two Cape Breton schools — in Louisdale and Coxheath respectively — were among seven named in a provincial funding announcement in Truro on Monday.

“These new skilled trades centres will help students make stronger links between classroom learning and the world of work,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey, in a news release.

“In building their skills and awareness of what they need to be successful in the trades, students will have greater opportunities to follow a career path in apprenticeships and red seal certifications.”

The province included $5 million in its Capital Plan announced in January to expand these centres.

Funding will be allocated in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Discussions with the school boards and school principals will determine what course offerings will be available in each community.

The other schools named in Monday’s expansion announcement were Cobequid Education Centre, Sir John A. Macdonald High School, Digby Regional High School, Amherst High School and Central Kings Rural High School.

Currently, there are more than 1,000 students across the province enrolled in skilled trades courses.

By 2019-20, the province plans to have 25 centres in high schools across the province.