Investing in Apprenticeship Educators to Support Students, Employers Across Province: Ewasko
The Manitoba government is doubling the annual Career Development Initiative Grant for a total of $4 million in funding to facilitate the hiring of High School Apprenticeship Program educators to increase student apprenticeship pathways, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko announced today.
“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 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 2014-15, 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. The remaining $470,000 has been allocated based on an analysis of the High School Apprenticeship 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. In response, Manitoba’s K to 12 Education Action Plan committed to ensuring equitable access and opportunities for apprenticeship across the province, the minister said, adding that this funding increase aligns with that commitment.
For more information on the High School Apprenticeship Program, visit www.manitoba.ca/studentapprentice/.
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For more information:
- Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
- Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
- Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.