British Columbia is creating new trades and technology scholarships for high school students in recognition that more needs to be done to address skill shortages that are expected to worsen, especially in booming areas of the province.
During meetings earlier this month with B.C. school superintendents, Education Minister George Abbott discussed bare details of the plan to encourage high-school students to pursue careers in trades and technology.
Abbott, who resigned Thursday, told school superintendents at the time that the number of scholarships for academic students will be capped at 5,000 this year, while those offered in other areas will increase to 5,500 from 3,000 to provide more balance. This year, that latter group will include two new categories: technical and trades training and community service.
The Education Ministry confirmed the plan, adding that the government also intends to begin public conversations about changing the graduation program to emphasize personalized learning.
Scholarships will also be reviewed to ensure they are aligned with the goals of B.C.'s Education Plan, the initiative intended to push K-12 schools into the 21st century.
