ATC teaching students the skills they need

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/02/2015 (3879 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sometimes students can find it stressful to decide on their next steps after high school.

For students moving on from the Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre (ATC) however, it’s often a bit easier.  

Louis Riel’s ATC offers students the chance to learn and develop skills in various industries, including culinary arts and building trades, while still in high school. These programs are a wonderful way for students to get a head start on job training and post-secondary education. But more importantly, they also give young people the chance to explore possible careers firsthand before they finish Grade 12.

Last fall, our government announced additional funding for Louis Riel’s ATC so that they could expand their courses and become home to two new programs — broadcast and online media, and plumbing.   

The new broadcast and media training program will respond to the growing demand for online, media and high-tech jobs in Manitoba, such as social media experts, for example. The plumbing program will help students develop strong foundational skills in this trade that will prepare them for more advanced training after high school.  Our government is providing close to $1 million for physical upgrades to the ATC building so that students in both of these programs can train with the same type of modern equipment and technology used in the industries today.  

I’m thrilled that our government is providing more and more opportunities for young people. Programs like the ones offered at ATC give students the education and skills that they need to get good, in-demand jobs right here in Manitoba.  

Our government is making sure young people don’t miss out on skilled training opportunities. We’ve set aside $30 million to build and expand trades and skills shops in high schools across the province. Another $1 million is earmarked for upgrading Manitoba classrooms to an apprenticeship-accredited level, along with outfitting classrooms with industry-standard welding, electrical, carpentry and culinary arts equipment. This means that students will get to have hands-on job experience right in their own classrooms.  

This is an exciting time for young people in our province. Whether they choose a traditional academic courses or an innovative hands-on program, there are no wrong doors for a good education. Students can be excited about the opportunities that exist for them right here in Radisson. If you want to learn more about our government’s comprehensive skills strategy, please call my office at 204-222-0074 or email me at Bidhu.Jha@YourManitoba.ca.