FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PECI’s Trading Up introduces students to skilled trades
28 November 2005, Belleville, Ontario—Trading Up, a new construction trades skills training program, was introduced today at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (PECI). This innovative program offers senior students real-world work experience in the community while allowing them to earn credits towards a graduation diploma at the same time.

Students in Trading Up will work alongside skilled tradespeople in the community to gain hands-on experience in carpentry, plumbing, finishing, electrical, drafting and other building techniques. Through a combination of these experiences and classroom instruction, students will also learn to problem-solve, adopt a team approach to the project, and become familiar with many aspects of the skilled trades.

“This venture is a valuable educational opportunity for students who are interested in the skilled trades. As a Board, we are always looking for ways to partner with the community for the benefit of students. The experiences through Trading Up will bring great benefits to our students today and after they graduate and move into the world of work,” remarks Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board.

The program is designed as a full-semester, four-credit course and will be of interest to students who have an interest in a career in the skilled trades. Already 21 participants have been selected for the pilot course which is scheduled to run from February until June, 2006. Students will learn from both a full-time instructor and from local tradespeople who will assist in training through on-site activities at local construction projects. Certification in WHMIS, First Aid, CPR and FALLARREST are also part of the curriculum, which has been developed to align with Ministry of Education guidelines.

“We are very excited to launch Trading Up at PECI. This program will have a positive impact on the Prince Edward County community. PECI students will acquire specific knowledge that will give them a head-start to careers in the construction industry,” explains Principal Helen Beck.

PECI is fortunate to announce that Elliott, Sage Design & Construction will be a major corporate sponsor.

Peter Sage, President of Elliott, Sage states, “Our company is delighted to support the skill development of PECI students, they are our future work force.”

Additional funding for Trading Up was made possible through a $23,000 grant from Prince Edward/ Lennox & Addington Community Futures Development Corporation which will help to purchase equipment and materials.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 46 elementary and eight secondary schools serving 18,400 students, employing 1,070 teachers and 705 support staff. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354