In 2019 59 CBE students were able to work towards both high school graduation and apprenticeship qualifications at the same time thanks to the support of the RBC Foundation through EducationMatters!

Hands-on programs are a great way to keep students engaged in school – especially individuals who find traditional classroom learning to be challenging. Pre-employment programs take the concept of hands-on learning one step further, by allowing students to concurrently receive credit towards high school graduation and post-secondary qualifications.

RBC’s 2019 investment supported students working towards careers in carpentry, welding, pipe trades, and electrical trades; on graduation students who have completed pre-employment courses are fully employable in the field of their choice.

Teenager Welding

Pre-employment qualifications reduce or remove the need to take on student debt to obtain post-secondary credentials, and they give graduates a clear path to a living wage right out of high school. RBC is committed to increasing youth access to work related programs, tools, and resources, and their investment into pre-employment programs help students to learn, grow, and navigate their path to success.

Following the success of the 2019-20 school year, the RBC Foundation will be continuing to work with EducationMatters to support pre-employment programs into 2020-21. Along with Carpentry, Welding, and Pipe Trades, this year the Veterinary Technician Assistant program will also benefit from RBC’s assistance. 2020 is shaping up to be anything but typical, but thanks to the RBC Foundation, pre-employment students have everything they need to make the future a bright one.