SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 73 (KAMLOOPS/THOMPSON)
Youth Train in Trades Build a Dream Home in Clearwater

The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education is committed to community engagement with partners who can come together on learning opportunities that inspire students to thrive.

On June 12, 2024, nine Grade 11-12 Clearwater Secondary students and two local community members came together to share the "Dream Home" they've been building since February. Under the instruction of TRU's Tim Kasten, this group participated in the Carpentry Youth Train in Trades Level 1 program, offered through the synergistic partnership between the District of Clearwater, Thompson Rivers University, Borrow Enterprises, SkilledTrades BC, and the Kamloops-Thompson School District. 

Trustee and Councillor Shelley Sim, stated, "I appreciate Leslie Groulx being the original catalyst who developed a team of partners who were committed, including Doug Borrow of Borrow Enterprises who provided the lot and foundation. Thank you to the adult community members who contributed their time and talent as mentors for the nine students in the Carpentry Youth Train the Trades program."

Through this SD73 Career Development Program, students gained hands-on experience, developed foundational skills to guide them in future careers, and completed their Level 1 Carpentry program.

After viewing the house, Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon shared, "This is an incredible dream house, which shows how when students can see the results of theoretical learning, it makes academic study relevant and engaging."

Director Richard Kienlein expressed, "This positive result could not have happened without Mr. Dwayne Geiger, TRU Partnership Coordinator, and TRU instructor Tim Kasten who was extremely patient and generous with his time to mentor students through challenging parts of the build and academic coursework."

The Clearwater Carpentry Training House project highlights the importance of making learning relevant and connecting it to community housing needs. Students could see the results of their learning and developed a close bond with each other and their mentors, while being pushed out of their comfort zone and creating lasting memories of their high school experience.

Trustee and Councillor Shelley Sim, whose son participated in the program, added: "The program inspired him to want to study, to perform well and to learn all that he could. His experience was so positive that he is looking forward to continuing with level 2 and beyond at TRU after high school."

The Kamloops-Thompson School District Career Development Department offers a variety of programs and training to support student's career and professional development. As outlined in the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan, the goal of the Career Development priority is to ensure every learner will graduate, know who they are, and have plans for who they aim to become through their career pathway.