Homespun by Laurel Nadon

By Lori Larsen ing support for Women

Central High Sedge- Building Futures; and sevwick Public School Grade eral other initiatives. 11 student Owen Djos is “The Task Force’s delighted to be able to gain recommendations on some hands-on experi- strengthening and expandence in plumbing as part ing apprenticeship educaof the Alberta Registered tion and skills development Apprenticeship Program were carefully reviewed. (RAP). Now, we are making

RAP is an apprentice- changes to better meet the ship program specifically needs of students and the for high school students, skilled trades industry,” grades 10 to 12, who have commented Lovely. identified their desire to “Through the propursue a specific career in posed changes in Bill 67, trades, and are ready to the Skilled Trades and begin learning and practic- Apprenticeship Educaing it while still attending tion Act, we will modernhigh school. ize apprenticeship educa-

RAP students are both tion and the governance of full-time students and reg- skilled trades professions. istered apprentices, who These changes will help us divide their time between ensure that Alberta’s workan approved work site and force is skilled, competitive their high school studies. and equipped to deal with

They take regular challenges today and into high school courses such the future.” as English Language Arts, In 2019, the governSocial Studies, Science ment committed to expandand Math in order to earn ing the apprenticeship their Alberta High School model to other careers with Diploma or Certificate of emerging demand, and Achievement. with Bill 67. “We are doing

For Djos, his interest just that. The proposed in working in the trades, changes will allow for the specifically plumbing and apprenticeship education heating, was peaked dur- model to be applied to other ing a school announcement professions.”made by the Battle River The changes compleSchool Division’s career ment the goals of the counsellor. Submitted photo Alberta 2030: Building “She had mentioned the chance as apprenticeship for plumbing or heatRegistered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) participant Grade 11 Sedgewick Public School student Owen Djos works on the site of the Chester Ronning School build as part of his work experience in the plumbing and heating trades. Skills for Jobs strategy, to ensure that every student has the skills and knowling and I wanted to jump on it as fast as I could,” said Djos. “I like to work with my hands and feel productive, and the apprenticeship during school gave me a realistic look at what my career could look like after school.” Currently, Djos is working with Cremac Metal Products Ltd. on the building site of the new Chester Ronning School in Camrose, and is happy to be gaining such valuable handson experience. Time spent at school finishing studies and on the worksite are determined by both the student, school and employer and are flexible in order to accommodate the student’s success at both school and in the apprenticeship. “I can achieve a total of 55 credits in a RAP program while I am in high school. I gain one credit for every 125 hours, roughly.” Once the RAP apprentice (student) completes high school, the RAP apprenticeship ceases, and the apprentice is then automatically registered as a regular apprentice. The credit earned while in RAP is applied to his or her “I think getting to be an apprentice at my age is very useful, if I were to stick to it, because I would not be weighed down by student loans. The RAP program also helped me gain other useful tools like WHMIS training and other essential courses for working at the jobsite.” Battle River School Division (BRSD) has been very focused on supporting students to be successful in the RAP program. The school division promotes involvement in the trades through this program. BRSD RAP Program Coordinator Clayton Roe inspects potential worksites to ensure they meet safety standards for students, then helps connect students with potential employers. Roe also checks in with students and employers regularly to see program such a success for students,” said Roe. Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely commented on the continual support of the Alberta government for apprenticeship programs. “Apprenticeship education has proven to strongly support student learning and success, and we believe this model can be used beyond the designated trades.” Jobs in trade Recognizing the important role apprenticeship programs, such as RAP, play in education, the Alberta Government continues to evaluate and reimagine Alberta’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system through the Skills for Jobs Task Force which was appointed in the fall of 2019. “In the coming years, skilled trades workers in Alberta will be in higher demand than ever before as we continue to see a shortage in these crucial areas of our workforce,” said Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely. on behalf of the Alberta government. According to BuildThe apprenticeship during school gave me a realistic look at what my career could look like after school,” said Owen Djos, RAP participant and Sedgewick Public School Grade 11 student. “ ” 41,500 workers expected to retire. Alberta has the largest working-age population and the lowest median age among all the provinces. However, as of December 2020, Alberta’s youth unemployment rate was 25 per cent. “We need to make sure that the young people in Alberta know the value of a skilled trades career and the success it can provide. That is why Alberta’s government is taking steps to support skilled trades and expand apprenticeship education. The government is already supporting skilled trades and apprenticeship education, including creating the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame; increasing funding to CAREERS: The Next Generation, improvedge they need to enjoy fulfilling lives and careers, and to build a globally competitive workforce. “Alberta’s government recognizes the value of hands-on learning for both students and employers, and knows the merit of skilled trades and apprenticeship education,” said Lovely. “The Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act is another step to support the future of these workers and their industries.” Students interested in taking advantage of the RAP program are advised to contact high school RAP coordinators, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office, or call the toll free information line at 1-800-248-4823 for more information. apprenticeship through the apprenticeship program. “I can work after the school year is over and still earn credits to my diploma, how things are going, and helps students track their hours. “We are very thankful to the employers and orgaForce Canada projections, Alberta’s construction and maintenance industry will need to hire almost 65,000 workers over the next Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Pictured left to right are Battle River School Division District representative for off campus education Clayton Roe, Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, RAP student Owen Djos and Careers Next Generation representative Dave Brown. which takes some stress off nizations that have been decade to meet growth Photo was taken outside the perimeter of Chester Ronning of things,” remarked Djos. supportive in making this and replace an estimated School construction zone.

21045ta0

ian’s

Greenhouse & Tree Farm

We will be opening at 11 a.m. on April 30 Official opening will be on Mother’s Day, May 9

• Mother’s Day Specials • Mix ’n’ Match Flowers Special • All Fruit Trees, Shrubs, Perennials 4 ft. and taller will be 25% off • Planting Services – Bring us your pots • Tons of Peppers and Tomatoes • Some Herbs and Mints

You are more than welcome to come and have a look around or ask questions between now and April 30

Brian Meadahl, Owner PHONE 780.678.0053 Directions: Hwy 13 to Rge Rd 172, north 1.25 miles 45529 Rge Rd 172

BIRTHS

To Samantha and Devin Bergquist, of Bawlf, a son on April 14.

To Nina and Jeff Micabalo, of Camrose, a daughter on April 16.

To Sarah and Nicholas Buchholz, of Forestburg, a son on April 19. DEATHS

Stan Kravik of Camrose, on April 15, at 74 years of age.

Armand Raoul Philion of Camrose, on April 17, at 76 years of age.

James Edward Peake of Meeting Creek, on April 17, at 75 years of age.

Debby Lynn (nee Croskery) Koening of Camrose, formerly of Galahad, on April 19, at 63 years of age.

Louis Joseph Joshua Hunt of Camrose, on April 22, same day he was born.

Braim Brothers

Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

780.672.3540

braimbros@gmail.com

Jordan

Journeyman Plumber/ Gasfi tter Book your

SPRING

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Adam

Journeyman Sheet Metal/Heating/ Air Conditioning

ONLINE TIMED SPRING CONSIGNMENT AUCTION NOW ON! ONLINE BIDDING STARTS MONDAY, APRIL 26 AND ENDS SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT 12 NOON

Visit our website to register for our online timed auction WWW.LINDSTRANDAUCTIONS.COM

Public Viewing from Monday, April 26 to Saturday, May 1 Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, 9:00 to noon, at our yard 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec Hwy 833) COVID-19 Regulations will be in effect. We conduct Alberta’s Largest One-day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction four times a year. Selling farm equipment, cars and trucks, lawn and garden, recreation vehicles and shop equipment. Whether you have one piece or a complete line of machinery, we have the facility and the experience to bring you top dollar for your equipment. For full listings and pictures, visit our website at www.lindstrandauctions.com

Terms and Conditions: E-transfer, Wire Transfer, Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard (3% service charge), company cheque with major ID. GST will apply on some items. All accounts must be paid in full before removal. Online Bidding Fee 4% up to a maximum of $800 per item.

AT LINDSTRAND AUCTIONS SALE SITE, 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec Hwy 833)

Ph: 780-672-8478 Jody Cell: 780-679-8101