Located on MacEwen Road adjacent to the Western School Board offices, the new $750,000 welding facility serves students from Three Oaks Senior High, Kinkora Regional High and Kensington Intermediate Senior High School.

Minister Greenan said the enhanced programming and the new facility will provide more and better opportunities for students to take trades and technical training. “With this state-of-the-art facility and the seven new welding courses being developed, students will be better prepared to attend post-secondary institutions such as Holland College and they will learn a wide range of practical skills, making them excellent candidates for the workplace as they go on to obtain their Red Seal Journeyman certification,” said the minister.

Western School Board Chair Gary Doucette noted that good access to trades and technical training by high school students is a long-standing tradition at Three Oaks and Westisle Composite School, and the Board is now pleased to extend these same opportunities to the students of Kensington and Kinkora through bussing. “The addition of the new welding shop is another step forward as we expand educational options for our youth. It reflects our board’s commitment to continue this direction at both the Summerside and Elmsdale locations,” he said. “Later this year, the board will be conducting community consultations to seek input on what we might offer in future years to provide additional career or vocational alternatives.”

On behalf of the three high schools that are served by the new trades and technical shops, TOSH Principal Duncan McKillop advised that the partnership among the three schools has been rewarding. Each year, over 200 students are enrolled in the automotive, carpentry, aerospace, and welding programs. “Many of these students go on to take further studies in the trades. Others find that taking even one or two courses out of personal interest is very useful and valuable,” said Principal McKillop. “The new welding shop will add even more opportunities as we work with students to help them identify interests and to meet the demands of life beyond high school. We are pleased to have this facility and we appreciate the efforts of the department, board, and our school community to make this facility a reality for our students.”