State-of-the-art equipment upgrades are coming to technical vocational and industrial arts programs at five area schools.

The Manitoba government announced Friday that it is providing more than $1.4 million for technology upgrades through the Skills Strategy Equipment Enhancement Fund (SSEEF).

“We want all children and youth to have access to an array of opportunities, so every learner experiences success through high-quality education that prepares them for lifelong learning,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko. “Providing funding support to school divisions to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for technical vocational and industrial arts education provides Manitoba students opportunities to gain valuable real world experience.”

Technology education programs require schools to have facilities and equipment that resemble real-world work environments that meet workplace safety and health, and industry standards. The Province says SSEEF grants will help school divisions purchase equipment for technical vocational and industrial arts educational facilities in schools to ensure alignment with apprenticeship and industry standards.

Approved local projects include:
Roseau Valley School Automotive Technology, Border Land School Division - $42,351.71
Garden Valley Collegiate Heavy Duty Equipment Technology, Garden Valley School Division - $33,724.64
Pilot Mound Collegiate Institute Woodwork Technology, Prairie Spirit School Division - $90,317.02
Morris School Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology, Red River Valley School Division - $12,193.69
Morden Collegiate Institute Welding Technology, Western School Division - $33,261.73

This year, more than $1.4 million in SSEEF grants are being provided to 35 schools across Manitoba.

“These grants provide young Manitobans with the skills, talent and knowledge necessary for living, learning and working in a competitive global economy,” said Ewasko. “I want to thank our school divisions for their continued co-operation and collaboration as we work together to enhance technical vocational and industrial arts education in Manitoba.”

Details on applications for the 2022-23 grant program will be posted this spring. Click here for more information.