February 4, 2009
62 Students to Graduate from Dual-Credit SD23/BCIT Programs
KELOWNA, BC: On Thursday Feb. 5 at 7:00 p.m., students in several dual-credit BCIT programs will celebrate the successful completion of 10 months of intensive, specialized training. This event also marks the 10-year anniversary of an educational partnership between School District No. 23, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), the City of Kelowna and Kelowna Flightcraft. There will also be special recognition of a person who was proactive in establishing this partnership.
“We are pleased to recognize the contributions of Mr. Lane Trotter, the former Dean of Transportation at BCIT,” says Dale Popp, BCIT Liaison/Career Transitions Coordinator at Rutland Senior Secondary. “Lane was one of the people who were instrumental in establishing this partnership. He has shown great dedication and commitment to training students for rewarding careers.”
“One of the early motivations for beginning the dual-credit programs was the desire to open an aviation campus at the Kelowna International Airport. Today, it’s still going strong. Five of our current students have been offered jobs by Kelowna Flightcraft before they even graduated.”
Students in Aircraft Structures Technician Program graduate with the skills to begin work. After two and a half years of on-the-job training, they can become licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers “Structures” (AME “S”).
School District No. 23 and BCIT currently offer seven dual-credit programs: Electricity and Industrial Electronics, Electronics Common Core, Computer Information System Technician, Aircraft Structures Technician, Diesel Engine Mechanic, Power Equipment Mechanic and Motorcycle Mechanic.
Students will graduate with the following qualifications from each program:
- Electricity and Industrial Electronics: Level 1 of their apprenticeship as an Electrician
- Electronics Common Core: First year of 2-year diploma allowing them to go to work or continue their training by branching out into avionics, telecommunications, wireless communications, business and computer equipment technician, or industrial instrumentation
- Computer Information System Technician: First year of a 2-year program allowing them to go directly to work or continue their training to become network or internet professionals
- Aircraft Structures Technician: Skills to begin work and after 2.5 years on the job, obtain their license.
- Diesel Engine Mechanic: Level 1 Diesel Engine Apprenticeship
- Power Equipment Mechanic: Level 1Power Equipment Apprenticeship
- Motorcycle Mechanic: Levels 1 and 2 Motorcycle Apprenticeship
In terms of job prospects, Popp is generally optimistic despite the dip in the economy. “Employment in electronics and computers are still very hot. Students in the mechanical program are still being hired but it has slowed down a bit. Four students in the Industrial Electrician Program have been offered jobs through the Electrical Joint Training Committee in conjunction with the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 213.”
Beginning in February 2008, students in the dual-credit program took full-time classes at the Aviation Campus located at Kelowna International Airport, BCIT’s Graham Road campus, and Rutland Senior Secondary.
Approved by the Superintendent on February 4, 2009
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For comments, please contact:
Dale Popp, BCIT Liaison/Career Transitions Coordinator, RSS 765-1407 Ext. 7558
Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888
For background information: please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.