by Maria Driscoll

The Department of Education and Holland College have launched a new award program for students working towards their Grade 12 who are registered in the Accelerated Secondary Apprenticeship Program (ASAP) and are pursuing further training at the college or through apprenticeship.

The award is valued at $1000. Half of the award will be applied to tuition at Holland College. The other half will be a cash award to the student. In order to be eligible for the award students must be registered in ASAP and complete Grade 12 or its equivalent. Youth apprentices must have accumulated a minimum of 250 hours of paid work experience while registered in ASAP in order to be eligible for the award.

"The Department of Education is pleased to be a partner in this new award program," said the Honourable Jeffrey E. Lantz, Minister of Education. "We know that there is a looming shortage in skilled careers. Through the Accelerated Secondary Apprenticeship Program, we have helped heighten awareness of the career opportunities in these fields. The Government of Prince Edward Island places a high value on continuing education and training and this program will assist students with their tuition and other education costs."

"Providing a skilled workforce for the trades and industrial technology sectors has always been a priority of Holland College," commented Dr. Sandy MacDonald, Executive Director of the Academic Learning and Innovations Unit at the College. "This new award program provides a great opportunity for Island high school students to benefit from a more affordable education in a highly employable field of work."

ASAP is a flexible partnership between participating youth, employers, the apprenticeship training system, local secondary schools and youth organizations. Through on-the-job and safety/technical training, youth apprentices log hours and gain trade-specific skills which open doors to post secondary training and/or workforce entry upon the successful completion of Grade 12. Since its introduction in April 2000, more than 40 students have participated in ASAP.