Over the last few decades, shop classes and technical education programs across B.C. have closed, taking away important learning opportunities for middle school and high school students. Hands-on practical programs rely on larger budgets to function and as school districts wrestle with limited resources, often these more expensive programs get cut from school programming.
Recognizing this critical need and knowing many high schools lack tools, materials, equipment, and hands-on learning opportunities for young people to explore what a career in the trades can offer, PPM Civil Constructors – a top-tier marine civil contractor in British Columbia – decided to get involved. To assist with a creative solution, Lindsay Langill the Director of People and Strategy for PPM Civil Constructors ULC, established the Adopt-a-School Program in partnership with Charles Hay Secondary School in Prince Rupert, B.C.
“As a former trades/technology teacher, I know how little budget schools have to fund programs that require materials and supplies” says Langill. “This inadequacy in funding results in less students taking shop programs, programs that provide students with essential life skills and lead to the creation of future skilled trades people.”
Langill’s own research that led to his Doctoral dissertation provided evidence demonstrating the exceptional value of trades/technology programs for students in the K-12 system. Langill states, “Not all learners are academically focused. Rigorous, relevant, and relational trades/technology programs give students optional learning opportunities while also improving high school graduation rates.”
As well as supplying tools, Langill says the program provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on work experience at active jobsites. High school career counsellors often have a difficult time finding enough work experience placements for senior high school students, which is a graduation requirement in British Columbia. Langill says, “When industry and high schools create a bond – a relationship – great things happen that positively impact students and strengthen the community.”
Kurt Kashuba, CRC’s Regional Manager for B.C., is assisting Langill’s efforts by recruiting members to provide mentorship to the students at Charles Hay Secondary School. CRC members are contributing by speaking at career fairs, attending school events, and instructing classes through the program. “The CRC, in partnership with our contractors, can bring goodwill, offer true meaning and value to the students that are interested in the trades,” Kashuba says of the program.
Langill says that PPM Civil Constructors ULC is currently the only contractor taking part in the program, but he encourages others in B.C. and throughout the CRC to adopt their own schools. “Our hope is that this initiative will take off and inspire other contractors of all sizes from across the country to get involved and do the same.” The CRC is proud of Langill’s initiative to create the Adopt-a-School program to secure new opportunities for the next generation and positively impact communities across the country.
For more information about PPM Civil Constructors ULC, visit ppmcivilconstructors.com.
