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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Board advocates for support

Clearview Public Schools obtains $100,000 for welding programs

Dec 22, 2022 | 10:05 AM

The Clearview Public Schools’ Board has obtained $100,000 in funding to support the enhancement of welding programs for students.

The Board says the announcement was recently made to them in a letter dated December 7, 2022 from Alberta Education Minister Adriana LaGrange, granting the funds “to support welding apprenticeship opportunities for students.”

“We’re really pleased to receive this news,” said Guy Neitz, Clearview Board Chair. “The funding will go a long way in helping us support students in their career exploration and preparation. Thank you to Minister LaGrange and Alberta Education for your investment in our students.”

On October 5, 2022, the Board sent a letter to LaGrange, asking for reconsideration for funding after Clearview’s original request was not granted. Neitz said in the letter that enrollment and engagement in Career Technology Studies (CTS) fabrication courses, particularly welding, is experiencing significant growth and is in high demand in the area. He goes on to state that as post-secondary training for welding requires significant travel, providing access to training within the surrounding communities would create a significant opportunity for high school students.

LaGrange responded in her letter that she, “commend[s] Clearview Public Schools on its ongoing efforts to provide rural students with opportunities for career education that improve their employability skills and abilities and increase their workplace readiness.”

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Daram Van Oers, Clearview Deputy Superintendent, said Clearview is experiencing a demand for welding instruction.

“It would be ideal to have students trained on industry standard equipment using industry standard techniques,” he said. “That is expensive to do, and relying on post-secondaries isn’t always best for each learner. This grant will allow us to support students and help them transition into job opportunities and careers in high-demand, skilled trades.”

Clearview says they will use the funding to upgrade equipment at Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus and Gus Wetter School in Castor. They say Coronation School, which has some high school students, saw some financial investment in welding equipment a few years ago and that equipment currently meets industry standards.