Senior high schools throughout Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are about to receive an influx of new tools thanks to Merit Contractors Association's Tools for Students program. On March 22, Merit will award the Division with $30,000 worth of needed new tools to stock its construction classes and shops.
"What makes the program so valuable is that each school was able to hand pick their own tools based on student needs," says Steven Woodard, a construction teacher at Bev Facey Community High. "Every tool ordered meets industry standards. That's a huge advantage for our students. When they graduate, they'll have both the skills and knowledge needed to meet current industry demands an attractive quality for employers."
In total, seven EIPS senior high schools Andrew School, Ardrossan Junior Senior High, Bev Facey Community High, Fort Saskatchewan High, Salisbury Composite High, Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary and Vegreville Composite High will each receive approximately $4,000 worth of new tools ranging from jointers to lipping planers to woodworking-carving tools. As a result, on an annual basis, more than 1,100 EIPS students in grades 7 through 12 will benefit from the new equipment while also developing a stronger introduction to the trades.
"Merit is committed to supporting the next generation of skilled trades workers through programs such as Tools for Students," says Line Porfon, the vice-president of government relations for Merit. "Early exposure to the trades gives students hands-on skills they can use and a chance to explore the many amazing career opportunities within the industry."
In addition to hands-on learning, students will be able to assemble higher-quality products, in a faster time frame and with less training. As an added bonus, the calibre of the new tools also offers a competitive advantage to those students participating in the Skills Alberta and Skills Canada competitions.
