BC’s northern region has grappled with a long-standing shortage of technical skills. To tackle this, a collaborative effort between the College of New Caledonia (CNC), University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and School District 57 (SD57) has launched the TekX program.
Targeting grade 11 students within the city’s school district, TekX offers a blend of regular schooling and specialized skills training. This includes 3D printing, network security, programming, hardware assembly, and more. Participants earn both high school and post-secondary credits simultaneously.
This collaboration sets the stage for future joint ventures among the institutions, contingent on the program’s success and community interest.
Applications for the fall 2024 intake are open to current grade 10 students this February.
Chad Thompson, CNC’s Vice-President Academic, and Lee Karpenko, assistant superintendent of SD57, shed light on the program’s structure.
