They know how to Workit!

BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

There's more to education these days than just the three Rs and with a resurgence in the skilled trades market, students at the West Hants Education Centre have cashed in on hands-on experience.

The school recently received an $8,100 WorkIt grant from the Department of Education geared toward introducing students to designated trades through Youth Apprenticeship opportunities. It was the largest grant of its kind to be approved this year and principal Brian Wong said his students earned the opportunity. “The whole idea of this grant is to introduce students to the workplace and give them real-life experience and that's what this school is all about,” he said.

For the past six weeks, 17 Grade 10 and 11 students have partnered with SpeedPro signs in Windsor to design and construct new signage for both the WHED and Adult High School on Wentworth Rd.

When the sign was finally erected June 8 it was obvious that investment paid off on all fronts. “We're really proud; in the end it turned out pretty decent,” said student Dawn Clark.

Their handiwork sent a clear message to the community as well. “We're doing this to show we have school spirit and put some colour back into the community.” It also demonstrates these student have what it takes to succeed, Wong said.

Now see career potential

Prior to receiving the grant, few students at the school understood even the basics of graphic design, let alone sign construction. Some of those, including Clark, now see the career potential. “We really had no knowledge of it. I didn't even know they had a sign-making business in Windsor,” she said.

Clark now has a passion for graphic design, saying, “this was a really neat experience and I'm kind of interested.”

Charlie Aubie, owner of SpeedPro signs, said it was a unique and rewarding experience for his company. “This was an interesting project for us and very fun.” Working with such a large number of young students was a challenge, but it hasn't put him off. “I've seen them develop so much since I first met them,” he said, “and they seemed to take a genuine interest. I think more businesses should do this. We'd certainly consider participating in this again.”

Students not only learned the hands-on practical process, but also gamut workplace applications. “There are some skills you just can't learn in school and this is hands-on, industry-based knowledge,” he said.

Kathy Greeno, the Community-Based Learning Consultant with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, said the main goal of the WorkIt grant is to give students an opportunity to further career exploration and think outside the box. “There is a real shortage of skilled tradespersons in Nova Scotia and we would like to encourage more students to explore the trades as a career option,” she said. “This was a very large grant for them and they did a great job,” she added.