CALGARY – The Calgary Board of Education is bringing some experts into the classroom to help some students get a head start in a career in science and technology.
The board has signed a formal agreement with Alberta’s Association of Engineers and Geoscientists to help bright minds discover what the world of science has to offer with some hands-on experience.
“Having the whole community committed to public education, including industry, is cutting edge work and I think Calgary is absolutely on the front edge of this,” says CBE Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson.
The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicits of Alberta (APEGGA) wants to help build a bridge between educators, government and industry. It says Alberta’s energy sector needs every skilled professional it can get.
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“Eventually get down to a grade one level and help them understand the true value of the application of math and science which is fundamental to our professions” says Jim Smith, APEGGA.
Smith says Alberta’s future economy will need even more skilled professionals when the oil finally dries up.
“We have a very strong economy based on energy and resources. In the future we need to use the benefits of that economy at this point to develop what people have called the knowledge economy.”
The CBE has worked with APEGGA for years but now the formal agreement means it will explore new opportunities, not create an assembly line of “engineer-bots.”
“This is about exploring, looking at kids’ individual passions and gifts and interests and moving them along in that direction,” says Johnson.
Centennial High is one of the schools offering a pre-engineering class. Instructor Joe Reina is an engineer as well as an educator.
“I think back to when I was in school. I didn’t know about engineering and kind of went into it a little bit blind.”
Reina is glad bright young minds will have a little more light to guide them going forward.
The CBE is also opening its new career and technology centre as part curriculum changes by the Alberta government to enhance public education.
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