Close to 90 Grade 6 students from Lynn Fripps Elementary received a taste of entrepreneurial life when they took part in a six-week program facilitated by PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs and Envision Financial.

The program culminated with a PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs trade show Wednesday, where the children sold the products they created in the past few weeks.

The kids had to come up with a product, do market research, and figure out their profit margin - no small task for anyone.

A total of 440 students and roughly 50 adults visited this week's show, and some of the products sold out within minutes - including Sam Withrow's duct tape wallets.

As a part of the program, Envision Financial staff volunteered time to teach students the fundamentals of good business planning, as well as the value of community investment.

Langley Meadows Community School also took part in the program, with another 70 or so kids holding a trade show last week in their school gymnasium.

I applaud this initiative. I believe it's more imperative than ever in today's changing times, to prepare our future leaders to be their own bosses.

This program truly fosters the entrepreneurial spirit within, and that has to be a good thing - although admittedly not everyone has what it takes to be a boss.

LOOKING AT TRADES

Speaking of preparing students for life after the classroom, there are a few other initiatives in Langley helping prepare children for future careers.

First up, is next Wednesday afternoon, when the school district is hosting a series of open houses that will provide prospective students, parents, and interested members of the community a chance to see and learn more about the dual credit ACE-IT trades programs.

These open houses, which run from 1 to 3: 30 p.m. on March 6, will give folks a chance to meet the program instructors, see students in action, and learn about some of the trades programs available to Langley students.

For instance, at Aldergrove Community Secondary, people can visit the hair styling, auto mechanics, and carpentry programs.

At Langley Secondary, students will be showing off the work done in the plumbing and pipefitting program.

And at my alma mater, D.W. Poppy Secondary, folks can check out a field close to my heart - electrical. Both my brother and father are trained electricians - but I can assure you neither of them took the BCIT course at Poppy.

The ACE-IT program is a partnership between Industry Training Authority and the BC Ministry of Education.

For more, people can attend the open houses, or go online to www.itabc. ca/youth-educators/ace-it-program.

SKILLS BEING TESTED

Local education events don't end there, either.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Cloverdale campus is hosting the Lower Fraser Valley regional skills competition on next week.

Junior and senior secondary students will compete in a variety of trades and technology competitions.

The competition, "try a trade," offers a number of interactive hands-on activities intended to encourage youth to get engaged and excited about a future in skilled trades or technology.

Cloverdale KPU will be open to the community from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8, and those interested are being invited to come for a tour and discover the many lucrative and exciting careers available in trades and technology.

For more information please email, people can email: trades&tech@ kwantlen.ca, or call Karen at 604-598-6011.

BRIDES ARE BUSY

Wedding fever appears to have hit again.

Following up on the Welcome Wagon bridal shower that was held Monday at Langley Events Centre, Willowbrook Shopping Centre is holding a free wedding fair this weekend (March 2 and 3), with dozens of exhibitors showcasing everything from gowns and cakes, to photography and entertainment options, with all attendees being able to enter to win a honeymoon vacation worth $2,000.

Then, come Monday, March 4, the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre will once again play host to the Fraser Valley Wedding

This event is not only being held in Langley but will also feature a number of this community's favourites - including downtown Langley's Everything But The Groom and Frostings Cupcakery.

Admission is $5, at the door, with $1 from every ticket sold being donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

"The show is going to be so much fun! Make it a girls' night out," said Tamara O'Brien, event producer of the Fraser Valley's longest running wedding show. "The show is a great way to hang out with girlfriends and check everything off the wedding to-do list!"

rhooper@langleyadvance.com