Secondary school students on Manitoulin Island are getting a head start in the skilled trades, thanks to a new dual-credit course being offered at the high school level.
The course is a joint initiative of Cambrian College in Sudbury, Kenjgewin Teg in M’Chigeeng First Nation, and the Rainbow District School Board.
Under the initiative, students in Grades 11 and 12 at Kenjgewin Teg and Manitoulin Secondary School, both located in M’Chigeeng, will be enrolled in Cambrian’s Applied Technology I course, as part of Cambrian’s Pre-Trades/Technology program.
Students over the age of 21 who have not graduated from high school are also eligible through Kengjewin Teg, where the course will be taught.
Students who successfully complete the course will earn a credit toward both a high school diploma and college certificate.
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Brenda Francis, Kenjgewin Teg’s director of operations, said the course would provide students with additional learning opportunities.
“This partnership will promote student success, inspire learners and create strong pathways between secondary and postsecondary education,” she said in a March 12 news release.
“We are excited to support the growth of our communities and moving one step closer to the vision of Kenjgewin Teg in the purpose and construction of the Anishinabek Skills, Innovation and Research Centre.”
Construction on the $2-million Anishinabek Skills, Innovation and Research Centre broke ground in 2017, and officially opened last fall.
The facility is designed to educate and train students from Manitoulin and area in a variety of trades, including welding, construction, plumbing, and electrical techniques.
Manitoulin Island is located in Georgian Bay in Lake Huron.
