TASK (Trade Awareness, Skills & Knowledge)
Stu & Wendy
Rhodes & Walker
TASK (Trade Awareness Skills & Knowledge)
Saanich School District
Yes
First Nations people.
Elementary or Secondary school, University, Technical Institute or College.
More than 5 years
TASK will be a catalyst for change providing a pathway for vulnerable learners to re-engage in meaningful learning and transition into employment.
Start-Up (a project that is just getting started)
Our project is uniquely designed to re-engage vulnerable learners who have stopped attending school, or are unemployed. By providing students with a “wrap around” approach of support we can move students toward graduation and employment by equipping them with trade skills and awareness. By delivering this college level course on Pauqauchin reserve we believe First Nation students will feel comfortable and positively engage in learning. This program will be a catalyst of change for this wide range of learners as they gather together and work toward a common goal. The sense of excitement, anticipation, and hope in the Pauquachin community is already very evident. The contagious optimism will have long lasting effects on the immediate community, its residents, and their life circumstances.
Students attend, re-engage in learning, develop a focus on graduation, earn credits, complete the program, embrace employment.
In five years the graduation rate on the four reserves within the boundaries of the Saanich School District will have increased because of this program. Role modeling by students re-engaging in education and accepting employment will positively impact youth. We hope this program will be the first step to becoming a certified tradesperson who will in turn, continue to mentor others in their community having a positive impact on employment within the community. Students will possess the ability to engage in small building improvement projects that will also have a direct impact on living conditions in the immediate community.
A hallmark of this endeavour is the varied collection of partners. The layering of attributes the partners bring to the table promises to make the TASK program sustainable as we move from the pilot phase to regular implementation in coming years. The partners include: Saanich School District, Camosun College, Pauquachin First Nation, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Coast Salish Employment Training Society, Blade Runners, Slegg Lumber, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, and over 25 businesses from the local construction sector. Commitment from partners is high enough that even if we lose a partner, the strength of the web created should still be able to sustain the project.
The Saanich School District is providing two teachers skilled in career counseling, supported work experience placements, and the development and implementation of various apprenticeship training programs. They are key to pulling together all the partners, coordinating their efforts, and actually building the TASK program. They developed the program and can articulate the vision of the program to participants and potential partners alike.
Saanich School District is providing a team of two teachers to coordinate the program. Camosun College is providing the curriculum and program instructor. Victoria Native Friendship Centre is providing personal protective equipment. Coast Salish Employment Training Society is providing various training certificates. Slegg Lumber is helping with the acquisition of necessary building materials. Mark’s Work Wearhouse is helping with some of the required work clothing. Over 25 businesses from the local construction sector have offered to provide work experience placements for students as they transition into paid employment. Pauquachin First Nation has agreed to provide a class room and shop space to teach the program.
Yes (answer the next two questions)