Maples Collegiate leads in vocational education

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This article was published 13/01/2020 (2311 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A variety of education and career opportunities are available in many communities in our public school system.

For example, Co-operative Vocational Education (CVE) programs are featured in the five high schools in the Seven Oaks School Division — Maples Collegiate, Garden City collegiate, West Kildonan Collegiate, Seven Oaks Met School and Maples Met School.

Vocational trades programs are a growing trend and offer the advantages of education and experience. Those advantages can mean the difference between just getting a job or launching a successful career.

At Maples Collegiate, 11 vocational programs are available, including: aviation trades and technology; automotive trades;  building and construction; health care aide; and plumbing and pipe trades.

The CVE programs are designed for students currently in high school, recent high school graduates and eligible adult learners are also welcome.

Through partnerships with various local businesses, students can apply their classroom knowledge on the job, working with and learning from industry professionals during the duration of the courses.

There is strong evidence to illustrate that learning through interest, having a mentor and experiential learning is a deep and enriching education process.

“Not only do students learn important skills, they also play a huge role in contributing to the initiatives on the part of governments to develop skilled trades personnel that are in demand in our province and country,” said Thom Gross, Maples Collegiate vice-principal.

CVE students receive valuable credits needed to graduate and the CVE programs are considered post-secondary education that affords learners higher education credits. A trades graduate also receives an apprenticeship accreditation and/or a trade program certificate.

Derek Dabee is a member of the board of trustees of Seven Oaks School Division and a community correspondent for The Maples. You can contact him at ddabee@mymts.net