St. Boniface school to get plumbing and media programs

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This article was published 08/09/2014 (4097 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Education Minister James Allum had good news today for kids with pipe dreams.

Plumbing is among new programs to be offered in St. Boniface.

Students in south Winnipeg will soon have new ways to learn and develop skills in the media industry and the skilled trades, Allum said today as he announced new provincial support for the Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre to expand its course offerings and become home to modern training facilities in plumbing and broadcast and online media.

“By giving students more options for skills training for in-demand jobs, we’re helping to pave the way for exciting career opportunities in our growing economy,” said Minister Allum. “Parents want to know that their kids are getting the education they need to take advantage of the great things happening in Manitoba.”

The new broadcast and media training program will respond to the growing demand for online, media, and high-tech jobs in Manitoba, the minister said, adding it will include a cutting-edge production facility and is expected to accommodate 50 students per year. Students will soon be able to train on the same kind of modern equipment used in today’s media industry.

The province is providing close to $1 million in new funding to upgrade and outfit space at the school for the two new programs.

Allum said the new plumbing program will help students develop the skills they need to go on to more advanced training programs and to find good jobs in Manitoba. Current high-school students will be able to earn credits while getting started on a high-demand trades career. The Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre’s plumbing program will accommodate 40 students per year, and fill an existing need for both industry and training institutions, he added.

“Plumbing and broadcast media are natural fits to complement the programs we already offer and will be excellent options for future students,” said Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre Principal Brian Cameron. “We’re very excited about expanding our programs to include these two engaging and in-demand vocational areas, and we look forward to continuing to serve the needs of our community.”

It’s the latest in a series of improvements to technical and vocational education first announced in January when Allum made it the focus of this year’s increased school funding.