News Article

Techsploration program launched


1/24/2002 9:45:49 AM


Techsploration, a new program to introduce high school girls to non-traditional careers, was launched from the Prince Philip Drive campus of College of the North Atlantic on Thursday, January 17, 2002. ExxonMobil sponsored the program to the tune of $85,000. Taking part in the cheque presentation are, from left, Allison Dancey, Petroleum Industry Outreach Coordinator, Women in Resource Development Committee (WRDC), Joyce Hancock, Board Co-Chair, WRDC, and Jessica Shinkle, ExxonMobil.

Thursday, January 24, 2002 - A new program called Techsploration, being offered in eight schools within the Avalon East School Board, will provide girls in Grade 9 with opportunities to explore trades, technical, and technology-related occupations.

Launched Thursday, January 17, from the Prince Philip Drive campus of College of the North Atlantic, Techsploration is a project of the Women in Resource Development Committee (WRDC) in partnership with the Avalon East School Board and the college.

"This program is intended to be inclusive of all girls, including those from various levels of academic achievement, from diverse cultural backgrounds, and girls with special needs," says Jan Foley, Education Coordinator with the WRDC.

"It will provide these girls with the opportunities to explore trades and technology-related jobs, while creating an awareness about the critical role of work in their lives. It will also help them understand the significance of high school math and science to their future careers."

The Techsploration program will run until June at Stella Maris in Trepassey, Mobile Central High in Mobile, Frank Roberts Junior High in Foxtrap, Mount Pearl Intermediate in Mount Pearl, St. John Bosco in Shea Heights, St. Michael's High in Bell Island, and Holy Cross Junior High and Brother Rice Junior High in St. John's.

The program will be run in teams with each team including six girls, a teacher and a female role model. Each student will be assigned a trades or technology occupation to research and will be introduced to a career planning model they can continue to use for the rest of their lives. The research component includes an interview with a female role model and a worksite tour. Role models include a marine safety specialist, a toxicologist, an avionics technician, an IT configuration manager, a HVAC specialist, as well as structural and mechanical engineers.

Funding for the project is being provided by ExxonMobil. Participating companies include Hibernia Management Development Corporation, Xwave, Jaques Whitford Environment Ltd., Cougar Helicopters Inc., Controls and Equipment Ltd., BAE-Newplan Group Ltd., and The Offshore Safety and Survival Centre of the Marine Institute.

-30-
For more information contact:

Jan Foley
Education Coordinator
Women in Resource Development Committee
(709) 738-8998