We would like to extend our congratulations to Matthew Rasch, a student from Thorsby Junior Senior High School who was recently awarded an Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) “Game Changers in the Modern Workforce” apprentice scholarship.

“I’m very proud to see our students highlighted outside of regular school hours,” said Ward 1 Trustee Michelle Martin. “In the next few years we will see around 700,000 trades people retire, and Black Gold’s Registered Apprenticeship Program provides our students with opportunities to enter the trades while completing their high school credentials. Congratulations Matthew!”

Back in July, Matthew was one of three students from the Leduc area to be awarded the Kevin Gaetz Award. This was the first time they’ve given this award to an apprentice.

“I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do in life. I applied to multiple jobs with no callback or interest in me at all. I was defeated and wasn’t sure what to do,” said Matthew. “That’s when Gerry Bacsik went to go change some fixtures at my dad’s job. Gerry asked my dad if my brother or I would be interested in some summer work. My dad said, of course, and I went to meet him. Gerry is a really nice, down to earth guy, and he taught me about electrical work and life lessons in general.”

Alberta is facing a shortage of skilled trades people, and in response, the Black Gold School Division continues to focus on connecting our high school students with opportunities in support of diverse career pathways. For more information, please visit www.blackgold.ca/schools/programs.