UCDSB brings mobile skills training labs to students this spring

Mobile learning trailer
Photos courtesy of St. Lawrence College
Posted on: March 23, 2022

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is getting set to provide students with additional hands-on and real-world learning in skilled trades this spring.

Through funding provided to the UCDSB Specialist High Skills Major Program and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, the UCDSB has been able to secure the St. Lawrence College Mobile Skills Training Lab for 11 weeks, starting the week of April 4.

Two mobile training labs will be onsite at each of the 11 selected secondary schools for a week and will provide introductory skills in carpentry, welding, electrical, fitness, nutrition and culinary.

This initiative will focus on re-engaging students and teach students who are generally under-represented in these fields the basic skills required to be successful in related professions.

“We are very excited to be able to bring these trailers to the UCDSB. Students will get to try out a variety of skills, get to use their hands and really dig into these experiences,” says Cameron Jones, Vice-Principal of Student Success. “We are putting in extra efforts to ensure that young women and Indigenous youth are aware that these career paths are real options for them.”  

Over the course of the 11 weeks, approximately 1,400 students from Grade 8-11 will get to experience these mobile training labs.

One mobile training lab will focus on skilled trades and carpentry, welding, and electrical training. Students will have the opportunity to use hand and power tools, and training aids such as welding simulation, and virtual reality for an innovative, hands-on learning experience.

The second training lab is focused on wellness, which includes teaching students about independent living, meal planning with simulations of food handling, nutrition, fitness and introductory cooking skills. 

The workshops will be 2.5 hours each and at the end of the sessions, the students will earn a micro-credential certificate from St. Lawrence College.  

The labs will be onsite at the following schools:

School  Location  Date
Carleton Place High School Carleton PlaceApril 4-8 
Perth & District Collegiate Institute  Perth
April 11-14
Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute  Smiths FallsApril 19-22 
Gananoque Secondary SchoolGananoqueApril 25-29 
Thousand Islands Secondary School BrockvilleMay 2-6
South Grenville District High School PrescottMay 9-13
Seaway District High School IroquoisMay 16-20
St. Lawrence Secondary School CornwallMay 24-27
Tagwi Secondary School AvonmoreMay 30 – June 3
Rockland District High School RocklandJune 6-10
Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School CornwallJune 13-17

The UCDSB will continue to update local communities as students in their areas get to experience this training.  

“I’m proud that we have invested in this opportunity for students,” says UCDSB Chair John McAllister. “Trades people are in high demand and these are career paths that those who are interested in working with their hands should seriously consider. The fact that students can earn a college-level micro-credential certificate through this opportunity is an excellent way to start out.” 

The UCDSB has 1,517 students enrolled in SHSM throughout the school district and offers programming in 14 different areas. Learn more about the SHSM opportunities within the UCDSB and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.

Article submitted

Hometown News
Author: Hometown News