Students learn the trades at 2nd annual summit

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This article was published 15/03/2024 (559 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Len Evans Centre at Assiniboine Community College was buzzing with activity on Thursday morning as more than 320 high school students from across southern Manitoba gathered for the second annual Trades Summit.

The summit, organized by the college in partnership with the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM), provided students with hands-on experiences in various trades, encouraging them to explore potential career paths in the industry.

Led by ACC instructors and CARM members, students had the opportunity to engage in interactive activities across various trades. From learning about switch and light exercises in the construction electrician department to exploring the principles of mechanics through hands-on demonstrations, the summit offered a diverse range of experiences aimed at sparking interest and curiosity among the attendees.

CARM executive director Shawn Wood emphasized the importance of exposing young individuals to the trades early on.

“We believed it would be beneficial to involve high school students, providing them with hands-on access to equipment and tools,” Wood told the Sun. “We aimed to offer an experience that might otherwise be inaccessible, encouraging them to consider pursuing a career in the trades.”

Among the students, Seth Hamilton, a Grade 11 student from Hamiota Collegiate, expressed his surprise at the intricacies of various trades.

“I didn’t realize how different trades work until today,” he said. “Plumbing particularly fascinates me because it’s what my dad did, and I see it as a great opportunity for my future.”

Another student, Lane Nykoliation, highlighted the enjoyment he found in welding, expressing his eagerness to pursue it further. “Welding is just fun for me. I love working with metal and creating things,” said Nykoliation.

Exploring the various trades was fascinating to Sev Antonio, another student, as he had the chance to observe the inner workings of different industries, especially the mechanic session, which was a “cool experience.”

“I’ve been considering mechanics because of my passion for cars and understanding how they function, as cars have always intrigued me since I was a child,” he told the Sun. “The brief moment I spent at the mechanic session at the summit was a cool experience for me.”

Witnessing the craftsmanship and diverse applications of car building, he said, was captivating, adding he would love to participate again.

ACC dean of trades Kevin Poirier noted the significant increase in attendance at the summit compared to last year.

“Last year, we hosted just over 200 students, but today we welcomed over 320 high school students, indicating a growing interest in the trades,” Poirier told the Sun.

The summit, he said, was organized to bridge the gap between the current demand for tradespeople in Canada.

“We have ongoing recruitment efforts at the summit to attract individuals to the trades, partnering with local industries and organizations.”

Reflecting on the impact of the summit, Poirier emphasized its potential to influence students’ career decisions. “If we can inspire even a few students to pursue careers in the trades, it will be a success,” Poirier said.

As the event concluded, he added, students departed with newfound knowledge and enthusiasm for the trades.

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