The Manitoba government is introducing a new career development grant for schools that will help students develop clear career paths. This announcement was made by Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum.
“Parents know that nothing opens more doors than a good education, and businesses tell us their future growth depends on training more skilled workers,” said Minister Allum. “This new initiative is the best way for us to help families, meet our goals and ensure the education system has no wrong doors.”
The new $1-million career development fund will give students the tools needed to make informed educational choices and will support activities such as:
- supporting schools to hire staff to match employers with students so they can get valuable first-hand experience in careers that interest them;
- providing resources to help students explore interests and potential careers and plan for post secondary training;
- extending work placement and co-operative education opportunities; and
- creating innovative initiatives that increase exposure to the skilled trades as a potential career path and increase awareness of apprenticeship options.
“Our government is focused on creating good jobs and growing Manitoba’s economy for everyone,” said Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald. “We want our kids to leave high school with a good idea of where they want to go and how to get there, whether it is a university, college training, work placements, or on-the-job training and apprenticeship. By supporting quality education and training opportunities, we can help set students on the path to fulfilling their dreams for a great career.”
“As part of a comprehensive, and well-rounded education, the Louis Riel School Division is committed to providing all students with opportunities that help to facilitate their transition into meaningful employment,” said Duane Brothers, superintendent of schools, Louis Riel School Division. “This new grant will support schools in our division to enhance these opportunities and ensure our programs are relevant to student needs.”
The province will support school divisions in preparing plans by providing them with resources on career development activities that have been successful in Manitoba and in other provinces, Minister Oswald noted.
“Our commitment to providing students with a quality education and providing them the tools they will need to succeed and find a good job in Manitoba is in stark contrast to the past, prior to 1999, when schools and universities suffered from major cuts, students faced skyrocketing tuition and our young people left our province because of a lack of job opportunities,” said Minister Allum.
The ministers noted the new grant supports government’s commitment to add 75,000 new workers to Manitoba’s economy by 2020.
