The BC Government is investing in trades apprenticeship programs in the Prince George School District.

The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training has announced $30,000 towards School District 57’s Youth Work in Trades program as a way for young people to kick-start their career paths.

“There’s such important work happening to help our students find their passion, and any additional funds to help support any of our skills and trades programs are very welcome,” says District Vice-Chair Tim Bennett, whose grateful about the province’s contribution.

“The new curriculum that we’re seeing in K-12 education does have a real focus on skills, trade, and career planning.”

The money will specifically go towards students in Grades 10, 11, and 12, allowing them to earn a paycheque while receiving credit for their high school diploma.

According the BC Liberals, eight of every 10 job openings require trades training and a post-secondary diploma and Bennett says the district’s apprenticeship program is a top priority for the new school system.

“It’s important that the work being done by our skills department is helping to find our students what it is they may want to do when they exit our system, and it’s giving them the opportunities to just explore at a younger age.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond says she wants young people to be “on the front lines” for the nearly one million job opportunities anticipated by 2025.