Students Celebrate Completion of Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program

Some Nova Scotia high school students returned to the classroom this September with hands-on trades experience and credits towards their high school diploma.

Ninety-three students spent their summer working with certified journeypersons as part of the province's summer youth apprenticeship programs.

"These are terrific programs that help our young people learn more about the career opportunities available here in the province," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. "Our role is to make the connection for students, so they can see the opportunity that exists in the province. We want to give them the best exposure possible so they can launch successful careers here."

The youth apprenticeship programs allow students to gain real work experience with employers in the motive power, construction, and cook trades. They also receive workplace safety training before their work placement, and hours towards apprenticeship certification.

Ian McFarlane joined 16 other high school students at an event in Dartmouth today to celebrate their accomplishments in this summer's TestDrive program.

"I had a great experience and would recommend the program to anyone," said Mr. McFarlane. "One thing that really stood out to me was the amount of trust in the tasks my employer, Nova Trucking, gave me. I really felt like I was treated like a real employee."

Building Futures for Youth had their closing ceremony Oct. 6, and Serve It Up! And TestDrive are holding theirs Thursday, Oct. 13.

The programs are supported by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

"Today's students are tomorrow's entrepreneurs, innovators and skilled workers and we need to provide them with the right skills and knowledge to ensure that Nova Scotia has a bright future," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey. "These programs and partnerships demonstrate how our education system is helping students explore and acquire skills that will enable them to transition smoothly into the workforce and a lifetime of learning."

Government has invested more than $1.3 million in the programs and provided more than 680 students with paid summer employment and hands-on trades experience.