The Manitoba government is providing more than $1.4 million for technology upgrades through the Skills Strategy Equipment Enhancement Fund (SSEEF) for industrial arts and technical vocational programs in schools across the province.
“We want all children and youth to have access to an array of opportunities, so every learner experiences success through high-quality education that prepares them for lifelong learning,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko. “Providing funding support to school divisions to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for technical vocational and industrial arts education provides Manitoba students opportunities to gain valuable real world experience.”
Technology education programs require schools to have facilities and equipment that resemble real-world work environments that meet workplace safety and health, and industry standards.
SSEEF grants help school divisions purchase equipment for technical vocational and industrial arts educational facilities in schools to ensure alignment with apprenticeship and industry standards. This year, more than $1.4 million in grants are being provided to 35 schools across Manitoba.
“Our division is receiving funding for two projects, and both successful submissions provide opportunities for students to continue their technical skill development with industry leading equipment,” said Kelly Barkman, superintendent and chief executive officer, River East Transcona School Division. “The electric vehicle will provide innovative learning concepts connected to environmental sustainability, renewable energy, physics, chemistry and math, and the new welding equipment will deliver opportunities for students as they use the most current equipment in the industry. We are extremely grateful for the support to bring new technology into our division.”
The SSEEF funding initiative is a further step in the Manitoba government’s commitment to connect advanced education, training and employment, noted the minister. The support ensures technical vocational and industrial arts programming is relevant to current and future labour market needs and meets workplace safety and health standards.
“These grants provide young Manitobans with the skills, talent and knowledge necessary for living, learning and working in a competitive global economy,” said Ewasko. “I want to thank our school divisions for their continued co-operation and collaboration as we work together to enhance technical vocational and industrial arts education in Manitoba.”
Details on applications for the 2022-23 grant program will be posted this spring. For more information on the grant program, visit edu.gov.mb.ca.
