Lethbridge College has joined in a unique partnership that benefits 10 local high school students.
From Jan. 23 to 27, 10 students from LCI are taking part in a job-shadow program, spending four and a half days at Southland International, a local service, sales, rental and leasing heavy-equipment dealer, and a half day at the college spending time in the new trades and technologies facility.
“It’s a very interesting, unique partnership,” says Sheldon Anderson, chair of the Crooks School of Transportation. “I believe it’s the first time anything like this has been done.”
Faculty in the skilled trades programs at the college will provide training for the LCI students, and explain the differences between apprenticeships, pre-employment and certificate programming. The students will also tour the first phase of the brand new, state-of-the-art trades and technologies facility.
“Our main goal is to raise the positive profile of the trades for high school students,” says Anderson. “I believe trades are an excellent career to pursue, and we hope this new facility inspires students to see the possibilities that exist in a career in the trades.”
“Students will gain valuable information through the college as to what requirements are needed for certain trades and the length of apprenticeship training that is required for select trades,” says Cory Hoffner, Construction Technology and Automotive instructor at LCI. “A tour of the new trades building will definitely entice students as to options that are available after school or through the Registered Apprenticeship Program while they are still in high school.”
Southland International helped make the college’s new facility a reality by giving a $100,000 gift to the Possibilities are Endless campaign in 2013. Students will spend time at Southland working in the company’s parts, service, used truck detailing, antique restoration and business management departments.
“We’re going to give them a well-rounded education about how our business has to run,” said Rob Mitchell, Southland’s service manager, who added students will rotate through every department and learn about every aspect of the business. At the end of the week, students will have the opportunity to speak with Southland’s owner, George Kirkham, to give students an opportunity to relay what they have learned about the business.
In the end, Mitchell believes the partnership is a great example of three entities working together for the benefit of students.
“What I like about it is the collaboration with the college and School District 51 and industry, with all three of us being involved.”
Hoffner is hopeful those partnerships can continue well into the future.
“I see the partnership between Southland International and Lethbridge College evolving over time to offer more of these types of courses to allow students an authentic hands-on learning experience,” he said. “Partnerships like these drastically improve school programs, as they create a foundation where students are exposed to industry standards.”