Grade 12 Nanaimo District Secondary student Austin Ball works on a welding program at VIU campus.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS Staff
For many high school students, graduation marks the start of their post-secondary journey.
However, for some Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools students, that journey is already underway.
Through the school district’s Career Technical Centre and its Dual Credit Enrichment Program, students can earn college and high school credits as they explore career options.
Through a partnership with Vancouver Island University, NLPS students can save on tuition costs and transition more smoothly into post-secondary education.
Avia Beaupre, a Grade 12 student at Nanaimo District Secondary School, is already taking steps toward her future career.
Beaupre plans to pursue a career in family law, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She is currently taking first-year English and Career in Youth Care courses at VIU. She said the Career in Youth Care course is a great introduction to the field she wants to enter, and the English course teaches how to think critically.
“At first, I was terrified walking into this big building. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe I shouldn’t have done this.’ But once the classes started, I realized it wasn’t that much harder than high school. It’s just the next step. Now, I love it,” she said.
The experience has not only boosted her confidence but also her readiness for the future.
Similarly, Austin Ball, a Grade 12 Nanaimo District Secondary student, found his path to welding through the CTC’s Trade Sampler Program. He then landed an apprenticeship at a local fabrication shop.
The Trade Sampler Program provides hands-on training in about eight trades, including electrical, welding, and mechanics, to help students identify their specific interests and strengths.
“For me, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I liked everything, especially mechanics, heavy-duty mechanics, and welding,” he said. “The sampler really helped me figure out what I wanted.”
Ball’s next goals include earning his Pressure Ticket and eventually achieving his Red Seal Certification.
“It’s a really great program, a good way to get started,” he said. “Do what you love to do. It’s enjoyable as long as you’re doing what you like.”
Grade 12 Ladysmith Secondary student Rylan Daniels also discovered his passion and purpose through the CTC, starting with the Trades Sampler Program in Grade 10.
Before joining the program, school hadn’t been easy for him, but the hands-on learning made all the difference.
“In Grade 8 and 9, I wasn’t even really at school much. I was skipping a lot and hanging out with the wrong people. I didn’t have any interest in what we were learning. But I finally grounded myself and got it together,” Daniels said. “Being part of this program totally shifted how I see school. Now I like it and I’m doing really well.”
Daniels also credits his family for their encouragement. “My family has been super supportive. They love what I chose.”
By bridging the gap between high school and post-secondary education, CTC supports student success and strengthens connections among district schools, industry, and higher education.
More information, including eligibility and application deadlines, can be found at www.ctc-careerpaths.ca.