MBiz

12 MBiz May 2014 Think Local Think Westoba We pride ourselves on our professional standards and our dedication to member service Visit any of our 21 branches in 17 communities across Manitoba with two Commercial Business Centres; one in Brandon and one in Winnipeg For more information on locations and services explore our website www.westoba.com 1-877-937-8622 W E S T E R N T he province's High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) has benefi ts for both students and employers, and Turtle Mountain School Division wants to get the word out. The program lets kids earn high school credits while they start their training in paid, part-time jobs. And there are fi nancial incentives such as tax credits for employers who sponsor students. Division apprenticeship coordinator Rick Korman, who teaches at Killarney School, says there are also wider benefi ts for the rural economy. "Some of the kids end up sticking around, so it kind of is a rural incentive to keep kids in the local environment and yet still pursue a trade — a high-level paying job," he says. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing and mechanical trades are typical options, along with autobody repair and welding. Korman says mechanical trades could include everything from APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM WORKS FOR TEENS AND EMPLOYERS LEARNING & EARNING small engine repair and refrigeration to agricultural technician. Businesses in Killarney have helped students pursue trades in construction and autobody repair and Veva's Diner in Boissevain takes in kids who are interested in culinary arts. The program was set up to encourage students at the age of 16 to start considering trades. Korman says it's a good program for students who may not be academically inclined and who need to earn extra credits. But it's also important for kids who would typically be entering university after graduation, and parents have to become more aware that trades are a good career option. "Typically the emphasis with parents and families is that if you do well in school, you should look to go to university. And that isn't always the case," he says. Trades offer good pay, opportunities to work anywhere in Canada and fl exibility to write your own ticket. Korman says one student in the Killarney area who graduated six or seven years ago is already running his own business. With baby boomers retiring in droves, Canadian employers are facing a skills shortage and smart employers are starting recruitment efforts early. A representative from Manitoba Hydro is coming to Killarney in May to present a skills day for high school kids. "They already recognize that they're going to need a lot of students," Korman says, adding students will learn what skill sets they need and what courses they should be taking now to pursue a career with Manitoba Hydro. "Physics in high school is one of the courses that they like students to take, and a lot of people don't know that," he says. "Kids get the information in school. It's a lot of parents that don't necessarily have the information. A lot has changed since they went to school." Employers interested in sponsoring a student in the division can email rkorman@tmsdmb.ca. MBiz_spring2014.indd 12 MBiz_spring2014.indd 12 5/14/14 8:26:28 AM 5/14/14 8:26:28 AM

• Cover