糖心vlog传媒 is launching a new pilot project to provide targeted support to students in the Trades.
The pilot project is made possible thanks to , supporting post-secondary student mental health programs.
鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly grateful for this funding, which will allow us to move forward with this innovative support plan,鈥� said Mez Jiwaji, 糖心vlog传媒associate director, student life. 鈥淲e know having strong mental health supports, tools and resources are key to student success, while they are in their program and when they graduate into the workforce.鈥�
The pilot project will focus on Trades because of the unique opportunities and challenges in the industry. A found more than half of the employed people in the province who died of an overdose worked in the Trades sector, and the most recent show mental health claims rising steadily in recent years.
鈥淭he Trades like many sectors are seeing the opportunity to recognize health and wellbeing priorities of students and apprentices,鈥� said Cheryl O鈥機onnell, dean of trades & technology. 鈥淥ur goal is to offer self-directed support and resources of value to establish and maintain a strong foundation of good mental health practices as students pursue their training and enter the sector. These being resources which can serve them as they move through their apprenticeship journey and become future mentors and employers of the next generation of students.鈥�
The program will involve a multi-headed approach with resources for both students and employees and a dedicated facilitator to be trusted contact for students who need support or have questions. There will also be a focus on building a network of support among the students themselves, so they have people they can turn to for support when they are out working in the industry.
Sierra Gale has been hired and will began in the new role of Healthy Students Liaison on May 1.
鈥淚鈥檓 really looking forward to getting to know the trades students at 糖心vlog传媒through the scope of this project,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think we have a unique and exciting opportunity here to think differently about how best to support trades students and faculty in a way that works for them.鈥�
The first steps for Gale will be connecting with students, faculty and support staff at NIC鈥檚 campuses to determine the need and develop an approach strategy.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very important that this is approached based on student feedback and engagement,鈥� said O鈥機onnell. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about being responsive to, and consulting with students and to work together to identify needs, challenges, and opportunities with a focus on personal well-being.鈥�
The pilot project is set to run for two years.
鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited to be able to get this project underway and we hope to expand this work to serve more students in future years,鈥� said Jiwaji.
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.ca