Manitoba doubles high school career development grant
By Adam Freill
Construction LabourProvince says increasing grant to $4 million is an investment in apprenticeship educators that will support students and employers.
The Manitoba government is doubling its annual Career Development Initiative Grant. The recently announced $4 million in funding is expected to facilitate the hiring of High School Apprenticeship Program educators in an effort to increase student apprenticeship pathways.
“High School Apprenticeship Program educators play an essential role linking youth, employers and government as students transition to the workplace and post-secondary education,” said the province’s Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister, Wayne Ewasko. “Along with helping students deepen their understanding of practical applications, this will improve high school graduation rates, promote career exploration, meet industry demands and advance economic imperatives for the skilled trades workforce.”
Since the 2014-15 school year, the Career Development Initiative Grant has been provided to all Manitoba school divisions either directly or through a consortium model. With the expanded funding, all school divisions and consortia will receive additional funding to support program growth.
The additional $2 million in funding this year includes $90,000 for a High School Apprenticeship Program educator in each school division or consortium, as well as $470,000 that has been allocated based on an analysis of the program enrolment in recent years.
The minister noted the report of the Manitoba Commission on Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education recommended that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning create partnerships, identify and provide funding for programs created in co-operation with industry, and expand apprenticeship programs.
