琉璃神社-based real estate company Highstreet has donated $1 million to the Okanagan College (OC) Trades and Apprenticeship Program.

The gift will provide support to students starting an entry-level trades program.

Thirteen annual bursaries of $6,500 will cover full tuition costs with room for expenses, such as textbooks or tools.

鈥淭his is about giving back to an industry we love and encouraging high school students and young people to see a trades education as just as valuable as a university program,鈥� said Scott Butler, Highstreet CEO.

鈥淭he trades can be an amazing career path,鈥� added Highstreet President, Christina Wilson. 鈥淚t could be in a leadership role, project management, or even owning your own business.鈥�

Wilson encourages women who are considering a trade to follow their dreams.

鈥淵ou can do it. There is no barrier if you don鈥檛 make it one.鈥�

Highstreet is also a sponsor of OC鈥檚 inaugural Jill of All Trades event, a day-long workshop on May 15, for young women in Grades 9-12.

It will offer hands-on learning in the construction, automotive, and manufacturing trades sectors.

Okanagan College President Dr. Neil Fassina says it is thanks to extraordinary support from businesses such as Highstreet that OC can deliver on its mission.

鈥淣ot only are they removing barriers for OC students, but they are championing the skilled trades and recognizing how these professions contribute to our communities,鈥� adds Fassina.

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