“Our government understands the importance of investing in skills training and an educated workforce,” said Premier Ghiz. “Our $4.7 million investment in this new facility is meant to help Island youth take advantage of the many career opportunities ahead in the skilled trades. At the same time, it will address labour market shortages expected to occur in the trades as the workforce ages.”

Located next to the Three Oaks Senior High School, the new 25,000 square foot facility offers aerospace training, automotive and carpentry under one roof in a campus-like environment. It includes a new robotics lab, skilled-trades classrooms and alternative education spaces. It serves more than 500 students from Summerside, Kensington and Kinkora schools.

“Student achievement continues to be the number one priority for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development,” said Minister Alan McIsaac. “We are committed to working with our educational partners to ensure all students can reach their full potential as they prepare to graduate to apprenticeship training, post secondary education or careers in the private sector. The provincially authorized curriculum for career and technical education provides sector-specific training that is preparing young Islanders for success in the workforce.”

The Western School Board identified the new Career and Technical Education Centre as a priority in 2009 and it was included in the 2010-2011 capital budget. The cost of the project was $4,675,000. High school students from Three Oaks Senior High, Kensington Intermediate Senior High and Kinkora Regional High schools began attending courses at the new Career and Technical Education Centre in September 2012.