The Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec (ADAQ) and the Lester B. Pearson School Board have announced an investment of more than $375,705 from the Government of Quebec to support the work-study program (ATE) in Retail Butchery.
As part of the ATE program, each student enrolled in the Retail Butchery program will be remunerated throughout his or her training, thanks to financial assistance paid to industry partners hosting them. Approximately 60% of training will take place at the vocational center, while the remaining 40% will take place in the workplace. This approach will contribute to the training and recruitment of a skilled workforce, meeting a significant demand. Additionally, thanks to the ATE program, it will be possible to quickly consolidate learning in the workplace, thus fostering interest throughout the training.
"We are delighted to launch this program at the PACC Vocational Training. As the only center in the province to offer this program in English, we know that many students from all over the province will benefit from this program. Funding is also available for out-of-province students who wish to participate and need to relocate - it's a great way for us to help address labour shortages in all regions of the province. The ATE program is a proven formula and we're delighted to be able to implement it, especially since PACC Vocational Training is the only vocational school to offer the Retail Butchery program in English," says Maggie Soldano, Director of Continuing Education at the Lester B. Pearson School Board.
"We are proud to participate in the launch of this promising program for the food retail sector. On the one hand, it stimulates interest in the butchery trade, where there is a enormous need for qualified workers. What's more, the partner retailers are enthusiastic about the prospect of quickly welcoming into their stores students who are motivated by the idea of developing their professional skills as butchers. It's a win-win for students and employers alike," says Pierre-Alexandre Blouin, President and CEO of the ADAQ.
Registrations for the first cohort of the program are now open, and training will begin as soon as enough students have enrolled. A second cohort will also begin on September 6, with a maximum of 22 students per cohort. To register or obtain further information on the program, interested parties can visit lbpce.ca/butchery.html or contact the center at 514-363-6213.
About:
PACC Vocational Training (PACC) is one of the largest English-language vocational training centers in the province. Located in LaSalle, the centre offers programs in three main sectors: Business, Health and Food. The center is also home to the Pearson School of Culinary Arts. In addition to culinary programs, PACC runs a restaurant and two boutiques where products prepared by students are sold. This culinary school is renowned for offering its students access to industry experts and community partners. Over 1,000 students of all ages and backgrounds are enrolled in vocational training at PACC.
The Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec (ADAQ) is the only association representing all food retailers in Quebec. Its mission is to ensure the sustainability of retailer-owners and the development of the food industry. Since 2019, the ADA has been promoting the ATE-Boucherie program throughout Quebec.
