June 15, 2009
Waterloo chapter rewarded for helping education system
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the Waterloo District School Board presented LO’s Waterloo Chapter an award for providing continuous support to students in technological education.
Two Waterloo members were recognized for outstanding support of high school students, co-op programs and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Rob Kerr won an Award of Excellence and Elmira Farm Service was recognized for hosting the local Skills Canada Competition. Chapter members Dave Wright, Rob Tester and Linda Tester also received recognition for their work with high school students.
Rob Kerr has been an active member of the school board’s landscape sector advisory group since 2005. He has also championed the support of local programs through his role on the board of directors of the Waterloo chapter of Landscape Ontario for the past 10 years. Kerr and Kerr has contributed to annual school-based Earth Day landscaping projects. Rob Kerr has been part of the organizing group responsible for making the local landscaping skill competition a reality including judging the competitors. Kerr and Kerr has been a strong partner for Glenview’s landscape program, donating materials, equipment and manpower for projects around the school, along with hiring graduates and providing opportunities for co-op students. Kerr also supports the professional development of teaching staff by providing internship opportunities.
Fast Forward is a unique school-to-work transition program that teaches students the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to move successfully from the classroom to the workplace. While earning their high school diplomas, students are also earning certificates that are developed and recognized by local employers. To date, 40 certificates may be earned in seven industry sectors: construction, hospitality and tourism, landscape and horticulture, manufacturing, personal care services, retail and business support and transportation.
Approximately 1,000 students are enrolled in the Waterloo area’s five Fast Forward programs. A total of 45 employers across the region sit on sector advisory councils. For more information on the Fast Forward program, contact Tracey Kelly, learning services consultant, at 519-570-0003, ext. 4539, or check out the website at www.wrdsb.on.ca/fastforward.php.
Two Waterloo members were recognized for outstanding support of high school students, co-op programs and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Rob Kerr won an Award of Excellence and Elmira Farm Service was recognized for hosting the local Skills Canada Competition. Chapter members Dave Wright, Rob Tester and Linda Tester also received recognition for their work with high school students.
Rob Kerr has been an active member of the school board’s landscape sector advisory group since 2005. He has also championed the support of local programs through his role on the board of directors of the Waterloo chapter of Landscape Ontario for the past 10 years. Kerr and Kerr has contributed to annual school-based Earth Day landscaping projects. Rob Kerr has been part of the organizing group responsible for making the local landscaping skill competition a reality including judging the competitors. Kerr and Kerr has been a strong partner for Glenview’s landscape program, donating materials, equipment and manpower for projects around the school, along with hiring graduates and providing opportunities for co-op students. Kerr also supports the professional development of teaching staff by providing internship opportunities.
Chapter involved in Fast Forward
Waterloo chapter members are involved in the Fast Forward program working to develop programs for high school students. Currently the chapter has representation on horticulture and landscaping, construction industry, and transportation Industry.Fast Forward is a unique school-to-work transition program that teaches students the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to move successfully from the classroom to the workplace. While earning their high school diplomas, students are also earning certificates that are developed and recognized by local employers. To date, 40 certificates may be earned in seven industry sectors: construction, hospitality and tourism, landscape and horticulture, manufacturing, personal care services, retail and business support and transportation.
Approximately 1,000 students are enrolled in the Waterloo area’s five Fast Forward programs. A total of 45 employers across the region sit on sector advisory councils. For more information on the Fast Forward program, contact Tracey Kelly, learning services consultant, at 519-570-0003, ext. 4539, or check out the website at www.wrdsb.on.ca/fastforward.php.