Government is using incentives to steer high school students toward technology and computer science programs.
Ten high schools in the province have signed on with the College of the North Atlantic to develop new pathways for students to more easily transition from high school to information technology programs.
Students participating in the program will start coursework in Grade 10 with the current high school computer science course, transitioning to post-secondary courses in Python programming in Grades 11 and 12. Those who complete the program would be eligible for a course credit at the post-secondary level and a $2,500 voucher for CNA and MUN.
(File Photo: Tom Osborne)
Education Minister Tom Osborne says more schools are expected to be added as the project becomes more established. Even small schools in remote areas could be eligible to participate through the Centre for Distance Learning.
Government worked with the school board to identify the ten schools. Instead of offering it in all schools immediately, they wanted to get it right.
(File photo: Andrew Parsons.)
Andrew Parsons, the minister responsible for technology, says there are many companies in the province wishing to hire but are unable to because of a shortage of tech people.
The participating schools are Waterford Valley High, Holy Trinity High, Holy Spirit High, Lakewood Academy, Exploits Valley High, Corner Brook Regional High, Elwood Regional High, St. James Regional High, Mealy Mountain Collegiate, and William Gillett Academy.
