Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Jim Rondeau and Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford today announced the province is investing $8.2 million to extend the successful Technical Vocational Initiative (TVI) for four years.

 

“Manitoba’s strong economy has fuelled the need for more workers in skilled trades and high-tech, high-demand occupations from autobody and construction to the aerospace and biotechnology sectors,” Rondeau said.  “We want to ensure these industries can grow and expand here in Manitoba by having a highly-skilled, adaptable workforce to meet future market demands.”

 

The Technical Vocational Initiative was created in 2004 to encourage Manitoba students to consider careers in the diverse technical vocational field.  Initial goals included strengthening existing programs, developing new programs to meet market needs, upgrading equipment in high schools to ensure graduates were familiar with new technology and standardizing program elements between high school, post-secondary institutions, apprenticeships and industry.

 

“Strides have been made toward changing the image of technical vocational education and profiling the high-paying jobs available for individuals interested in a rewarding career,” McGifford said. “The province’s Technical Vocational and College Expansion initiatives have supported these efforts by more closely aligning post-secondary offerings with the needs of industry to ensure graduates are employment ready.”

 

Over the past three years, 30 schools in 18 school divisions have shared funding of $1.9 million to purchase modern equipment through the TVI.  Dozens of demonstration projects have been completed and a best practices catalogue is being developed.  

 

During the current school year, $600,000 is available for equipment upgrades at 25 schools, $100,000 will be spent on teacher professional development and $525,000 has been committed for demonstration projects.  Student participation in the senior-years apprenticeship option has more than doubled to 370 students in 2006-07 from 180 in 2003-04. TVI supports a provincial working group and demonstration projects to promote this training opportunity for high school students.    

 

Curriculum frameworks for 12 program areas are under review.  The programs include power mechanics, food services, hairstyling, building construction, health-care aide, electricity, electronics, welding, information technology, media, drafting and autobody repair.