The TekX program, offering dual credit, is a collaboration between the College of New Caledonia (CNC), the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and School District 57 (SD57) that gives Grade 11 students an introduction to the rapidly growing technology sector.
Through 300 hours of hands-on learning, TekX gives students a chance to earn post-secondary credits while still in high school. Areas of study include computer hardware, cybersecurity, 3D printing, and drones.
“When it comes to ensuring graduates are job-ready, hands-on learning can translate into lasting success,” Cindy Heitman, president of CNC, said. “TekX will help students decide which path they want to pursue at a pivotal point in their education journey. They will be introduced to a variety of disciplines and opportunities to use equipment they may not otherwise have access to.”
According to the 2023 BC Labour Market Outlook, the tech industry is the second largest industry in growth with 142,400 projected job openings over the next decade. Almost 80,000 of those openings are expected to be new positions.
TekX will be delivered in a cohort model with two offerings each year. Students will participate in the program during a high school semester. There are 20 spaces available at each intake. Interested applicants can apply in Grade 10.
Both CNC and UNBC offer various dual credit programs for high school students who want to earn post-secondary credits before they graduate.
For more information visit https://www.sd57curriculumhub.com/dual-credit-program
Applications for the first cohort of TekX are now open.
Students and parents can learn more by visiting CNC's and UNBC's TekX information pages or by speaking with a SD57 secondary school guidance counsellor.
