YES-2-IT popular in Fort Nelson and Fort St. John
Comments Off YES-2-IT Popular in Fort Nelson and Fort St. John
Students from School District 60 experienced the Automotive Service Technician and Esthetics and Nail Care Technology programs during the YES-2-IT event held at NLC’s Fort St. John Campus.
FORT ST. JOHN – More than 350 grades 8-10 students in School Districts 60 and 81 gained hands-on experience in Dual Credit programming available at Northern Lights College through YES-2-IT events held recently in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.
YES-2-IT (Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training) is a joint initiative of the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and the Ministry of Education. At NLC, YES-2-IT events provide students with the opportunity to learn about Dual Credit programs available on campus or through distributed delivery.
“YES-2-IT events provide the opportunity for students to experience potential education and job opportunities in a hands-on environment. The students get the chance to see the options available to them in their own backyard, and to begin envisioning what their career paths might look like,” said NLC’s recruitment manager Kristina Van De Walle.
A unique aspect of YES-2-IT is its focus on hands-on involvement, as students are encouraged to try out aspects of their selected programs through activities that are developed and overseen by participating program instructors.
Hands-on participation has increased in the past two years, thanks to contributions from EnCana and the ITA.
Last year, steel-toed, slip-on safety shoes were purchased by EnCana to allow students greater access to trades’ shops. This year, sponsorship from EnCana and the ITA allowed the purchase of hard hats, gloves and welding smocks, thereby allowing even more hands-on involvement. The event also received sponsorship from Northern Opportunities.
“EnCana was pleased to team up with Northern Lights College to help fund region-wide YES-2-IT events,” said Fiona Liebelt, EnCana’s community relations analyst for Fort Nelson and Peace Country. “EnCana has operations in the area but, more importantly, has staff whose families live and work in the area. Strengthening the communities we work in is of great importance to our corporation. We believe in safety as a fundamental of our daily work. To sponsor some of the safety equipment for this event was an easy decision as it aligns with our company principles.“
Skylar Brown, a Fort Nelson Secondary graduate of 2008, has been highlighted as a star student for Northern Opportunities. Skylar enlisted in the cosmetology program at FNSS in her final year of high school. She had worked at a salon for 4 years prior to taking the program. Skylar explained, “This position helped me develop excellent communication and people skills and fueled my interest and passion for cosmetology. Also my mom is a hairdresser so it has always been a part of my life.” Skylar commented on what a wonderful opportunity it was to be a student and learn a trade at the same time. 
During Skylar’s interview she stated, “I intend to continue to practice the trade of cosmetology, endeavoring to develop my skills. I also plan on continuing my studies at college in the science and education departments. I eventually may decide to work with a chemist and create my own hair care line.” She has also expressed interest in teaching the cosmetology course to the next generation of eager hair stylists. Skylar hopes to inspire more students to pursue an opportunity like this. It has been awesome!
Themocracy