March 10, 2020- JA British Columbia (JABC) and the Industry Training Authority (ITA) are joining together to prepare youth for business careers in trades occupations. New enhanced online resources for B.C. educators who work with students interested in trades careers will help expand the areas of knowledge and skills for young entrepreneurs.

ITA is now including the JA Entrepreneurial Trades program as part of its Youth Explore Trades Skills program which provides grade 10-12 students a chance to try 3 trades to help decide if a trades career path is for them. The 1 block, 120-hour course is delivered by high school Tech-Ed teachers and includes safety, employability skills, and career path information. 4000 students participate in the program across B.C. each year. The Youth Explore Trades Skills website provides resources to B.C. educators to help high school students learn about trades jobs and the core skills common to many trade and manufacturing sectors.

JA Entrepreneurial Trades is an online program provided free of charge to students in grades 10-12. Over 4-6 hours of self directed programming, youth learn why businesses succeed and fail, and what it takes to become an entrepreneur in the trades industry.

“I am very impressed with the links and layers of information provided. It provided a rich understanding of the trades for kids with a range of interests and backgrounds, including women, immigrants and kids with a range of academic skills, says Shari Hambrook, Youth Work in Trades Program & Work Experience Teacher. “Thank you for bringing this curriculum to the trades students!”

“We are very pleased to work with ITA to deliver our programming,” said Sheila Biggers, President and CEO of JA British Columbia. “ITA’s support means more B.C. youth are able to make informed career choices and are developing skills for long-term success.”

“͞ITA is delighted with the opportunity to support new programs that encourage youth to pursue one of the more than 100 rewarding trades careers in B.C,” said Shelley Gray, CEO of Industry Training Authority. “Innovative approaches to pre-apprenticeship training, apprenticeship services and employment help increase the number of people who can take advantage of the high-opportunity careers working in the trades and completing their apprenticeship.”

Visit mytrainingbc.ca/youthexploreskills for more details.

 

About JA British Columbia

JABC is a member of JA Canada and JA Worldwide. As the first JA charter in Canada and JA’s first international chapter, JABC has been a leader in youth business education programs for almost 65 years. We are dedicated to preparing people who will create and shape the jobs of the future, foster stable economies, contribute to a healthy community and enjoy lifelong success. Our programs focus on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship and are requested by educators across British Columbia. Thanks to the funding of generous donors, programs are delivered, free of charge, by local volunteers who provide their real-life experiences to students. To learn more visit jabc.org.

About the Industry Training Authority (ITA)

The Industry Training Authority (ITA) leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. ITA works with apprentices, employers, industry, labour, training providers and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades. For more information, visit itabc.ca.

 

Media Contacts

Nicole Adams
Director of Communications
Industry Training Authority
604-364-1039
nadams@itabc.ca

Kari Buchanan
Manager of Marketing Communications
JA British Columbia
604-688-3887 x 231
kari.buchanan@jabc.org