The popular ACE-IT Construction Program offered to high school students in the community has now expanded their focus to include sub-trades.
The new Trades Exploration Program introduces students to not only carpentry, but also electrical, automotive and plumbing.
The ACE-IT program, which has provided students the opportunity to attend trades training classes while in high school, has been offered to Campbell River high school students since 2007 through the generosity and support of Seymour Pacific Developments. The well-known development company is continuing to support the Trades
Exploration Program by continuously donating lumber and building materials, as well as conducting various entry-level certification courses to students such as Levell First Aid, WHMIS, Fall Protection, Skid Steer training, and Fork Lift operation.
“This is an incredible opportunity for kids to get hands-on training while they’re still in high school,” says Frazer Smith, who instructs Technology Education at Carihi Secondary. “Broadening our focus to include industry sub-trades has given students opportunities to try something out before committing to it on a post-secondary level.”
Trevor Enns, who graduated from Carihi last year has started his apprenticeship training in Interior Systems Mechanics at North Island College-an opportunity made possible by his involvement in the program.
“Trevor is a shining example of what students can accomplish with this program, and we’re excited to see where this training takes him,” Smith says.
Students enrolled in ACE-IT pay no tuition fees, receive course credits towards their high school graduation, and credit for the first level of the technical training in an Industry Training Authority program.
Seymour Pacific and the Mailman family are well known in Campbell River for their charitable involvement. Other notable gives have included the Life Skills House at Timberline Secondary School, donation of the MRI machine to the new Campbell River Hospital, sponsorship to the new CR Hospice House, involvement in the building of the Discovery Passage Aquarium, construction of the Campbell River Lacrosse box, as well as regular donations of time, money, and resources to a long list of local youth programs and charitable organizations.