The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board is set to host two regional trade fairs during November. The events will take place at St. Mary’s High School (Owen Sound) on November 14th and Sacred Heart High School (Walkerton) on November 15th with the public welcome to attend from 4 – 7 PM.
As the pilot year for this event, the Board is pleased with the strong support of 11 local trade unions, local post-secondary institutions, and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Director of Education for the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, Gary O’Donnell notes, “We want our students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to learn about potential career paths and post-secondary opportunities available in our region. In particular, we recognize that there is a need for workers in the skilled trades, and we believe that early and consistent exposure to the vast array of skilled trades opportunities is essential to increase the number of students who will consider this a viable post-secondary option.”
The Trades Fair is one example of the Board’s commitment to post-secondary pathway planning. The Trades Fair will also be open to students during the school day, offering hands-on learning activities and informative dialogue with industry professionals.
Trades Fair Coordinator, Nonara Henhoeffer explains, “There are many myths and misconceptions about the apprenticeship pathway. We hope that by bringing the trade unions and colleges to our high schools, students and community members will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge about the vast variety of trades that exist while also learning about the education requirements for these trades and the steps required to get into the field.”
The following partners are confirmed to attend: Fanshawe College, Georgian College, Painters and Allied Trades International Union, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793, Bruce Power, Ontario Insulators Local 95, United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 2222, Brick and Allied Craft Union Local 12, Ironworkers Local 736, CUSW, Millwrights Local 1592, LiUNA 1059, Sheet Metal Workers Local 473, United Association of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry.
Learn more about the upcoming events by visiting www.bgcdsb.org/tradefair and mark your calendar for November 14th (St. Mary’s High School, Owen Sound) or 15th (Sacred Heart High School, Walkerton)
