Three weeks ago, the FTI began running an introductory Wall & Ceiling program for students from the Squamish Nation Training and Training Centre. Thanks to the assistance of Peter Baker, Development & Partnership Employment Negotiator for the Squamish Nation and the rest of his team from the Centre, we have had a good cohort of students participate in this training with some very positive feedback.
When Peter Baker was here last week to meet with Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Minister Melanie Mark, Peter had a chance to observe our Level 2 Glazing Apprenticeship class in action. Peter was so impressed with what he saw that he asked us if it would be possible to run an entry level Glazing program, similar to what we were delivering with our Wall & Ceiling course.
Within a relatively short period of time we put a proposal forward that incorporates many aspects of our Level 1 Red Seal Apprentice Glazier training that we currently run at our facility. When we discussed this idea with our Glazing Coordinator and Head Instructor, Mark Longmore, we felt that there was enough variety in this Level that could be delivered in a condensed four week course and still give students a pretty good representation of what the trade is about.
We see these types of introductory programs as very beneficial in introducing the basics of the trade along with developing a foundation in certain transferable skills. We also feel the best way to decide if a trade is for you, is to immerse yourself in the work that is typically performed in that particular craft. Even if you decide to head down a different career path, the time spent in these programs can provide you with a good jumping off point into a similar field.
Although we have not as yet received the go ahead for this proposal, we are confident that the outline we have provided will be seen as something that has good value and would be beneficial to any student who is interested in becoming a Glazier. We will continue to work with our friends from the Squamish Nation looking for new innovative avenues into the Finishing Trades for young people from Indigenous communities around our Province.
Glazing Instructor, Mark Longmore address guests of the FTI of BC
Minister Mark visits the FTI of BC
