Words Heidi Hackman & Colleen McNamee, District Career Coordinators, SD 63
Photo Tanya Murchie
Never underestimate the great network of student-to-student communication within our district. The advantages will far outweigh any disadvantages when it comes to being enthusiastic about a particular learning experience and wanting to spread the news to other students. Luke Davidson did just that when he began to sing the praises of the STAC program. His influence and enthusiasm have helped students from other high schools in the district apply for the program.
During his Grade 11 year, Luke participated in the STAC (Apprenticeship Carpentry) program and commented he “decided to do the program because it was fun, and I decided to pursue my love of carpentry. I had some experience through theatre production and woodwork at school and wanted to learn more.”
He truly enjoyed every aspect of the program, from building a tiny home to earning industry certificates, and he was able to learn quicky. Only a month into the program he entered the South Island Regional Carpentry Skills Competition and won! Also of note: he had been competing with older students who had more training. This win gave Luke the right to compete in the provincial competition in April in Abbotsford.
During this past fall Luke came back to Parkland to complete the courses he needed to graduate, and this coming semester he will earn high school credits and attend Camosun to take the Foundation/Level 1 Carpentry program. This makes him eligible to compete in the Skills Canada competition again.
His parents “have a mix of pride, concern and excitement for his future. We do have some concern and hesitation about such a change; however, the potential benefits for Luke’s education, career and future prospects are considerable. As parents, we balance these concerns with our hopes for his personal growth, independence, and success. We are thrilled Luke has this opportunity and that it aligns with his interests and long-term goals, and we are delighted to support him through this transition.”
Having nothing but praise for the STAC program, they are quick to add: “This is such a great and safe environment, with awesome teachers, and enables students to try out various trades before they graduate. We would strongly recommend this to any students, and their parents who were thinking of going into the trades.”
Luke’s own advice is simple: “do it, it’s super fun if you have any interest in it at all.” Fun and learning in the same sentence is what educators strive for.
If you have any questions about dual credit or trades programs in the Saanich School District, please contact Colleen McNamee at cmcnamee@saanichschools.ca or Heidi Hackman at hhackman@saanichschools.ca.
