Think Trades Trailer to expand board wide in new year
SUDBURY—Have tools. Will travel. That is the purpose of a new trailer that is touring schools within the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) to introduce the trades to students in Grades 7 and 8.
“The program is currently being piloted in Valley (Sudbury) area schools now, and the intent is to expand this board-wide (including Manitoulin Island) in the new year,” said Nicole Charette, senior advisor corporate communications and strategic planning with RDSB.
The trailer houses various tools including backpacks with drills, drivers, palm sanders, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and measuring tapes which are used in class to further student learning.
Through the program, students are exposed to carpentry, manufacturing, plumbing and computer-aided design (CAD), a way to digitally create 2D drawings and 3D models of real-world products before they are manufactured.
Students also learn about the safe use of tools and opportunities through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM).
“Skilled trades are vital to the health and growth of our economy,” said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “The trailer promotes viable career pathways to students and aligns with the (education) ministry’s focus to building capacity for in-demand careers in the trades.”
The Think Trades Trailer made its very first stop at C.R. Judd Public School on November 28. During the visit, students built a multi-trades toolbox under the mentorship of teachers and students in Confederation Secondary School’s Construction SHSM.
Eric Bacon, curriculum co-ordinator with RDSB, enjoyed the opportunity to bring the trades to elementary students. “Students were thrilled to learn new skills and had a really fun time in the process,” he said.
C.R. Judd Public School teacher Craig Thomson was equally as enthusiastic about the trailer. “My students can’t say enough about how much they enjoyed the day. Parents raved about how happy they were that their children got a chance to learn about the trades.”
