November 7th was also proclaimed the Province’s inaugural
“Apprenticeship Recognition Day” to help raise awareness of the importance of a
highly trained and skilled workforce that will continue to grow key sectors of
B.C.’s economy, particularly in the North where large scale projects are
forecasted in hydroelectric energy and liquid natural gas.
About 40 students, faculty, secondary school
representatives, and industry partners attended the launch that included guest
speaker Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm and ITA apprenticeship advisor Pam
Eales.
NLC instructor Stan Kachmarski’s Automotive Service
Technician Foundation class was given a demo of the Apprentice Job Match tool
before the launch to experience the technology first-hand.
“I think it will help students like myself and be a great
tool for apprentices and employers,” said AST Foundation student Ramic
Southwick.
Participants also heard from local industry partners such as
Feron Young of Murray GM who attended to show his support for apprentices and
wound up with a potential employee from the group of Foundation students.
“The Apprentice Job Match tool is a great idea because it
opens up the employment pool for industry,” said Young.
The group enjoyed demos of the online tool, guest speakers,
and a lunch put on by NLC’s student recruitment department.
“I was very pleased by the turn-out,” said Dean of Trades
and Apprenticeships Rene Tremblay. “These types of events are great because it
shows the support that’s out there for the Trades – this tool will be helpful connecting
our local employers with our students.”