The FTI BC Begins Major Curriculum Redesign for Its Four Apprenticeship Programs

Oct. 24, 2011

Soon classrooms in the Finishing Trades Institute of BC will see a major transformation in curriculum as SkillPlan, an education consulting organization, sharpens and unifies the way lessons are delivered in the school's Apprenticeship Programs.

"We're building the FTI's curriculum up to world-class delivery," said Lynda Fownes, SkillPlan Chief Executive. "We want the training to be the best in the field."

The FTI BC curriculum redesign will focus on taking existing lessons and ensuring the presentation of the material is as helpful as possible for apprentices learning the trade.

"Our curriculum redesign is a way for us to reaffirm our mission to create positive and innovative learning experiences for our apprentices," said David Holmes, the FTI BC's Director of Training.

"Multi-media presentations, videos, and custom courseware are important ways for us to reach the needs of our apprentices. Everyone learns uniquely, and we want to make sure our apprentices will be as successful as possible, not just in writing the Red Seal exam, but as a skilled tradesperson throughout his or her career."

With over 20 years of experience, SkillPlan has tutored thousands of apprentices in the Lower Mainland.

"Because we've tutored so many apprentices, we know from an educational point-of-view the kinds of materials that can help people who are struggling," Fownes said.

A curriculum redesign of this size will take a couple years before it's fully completed. However, FTI BC Apprenticeship Coordinators will be implementing elements of the redesign as it becomes available.

The Finishing Trades Institute of BC trains apprentices in Painting and Decorating, Glazing, Drywall Finishing, and Interior Systems Mechanics. Located in Surrey, B.C., the FTI BC facility spans over 26,000 square feet and is home to the latest technology in the trades industry.