Creating experiences that build learning opportunities for the next generation is what drives the Skills Ready team at CFBC. This drive is what turned a conversation after the 2018 Skills Canada Regional Competition at Camosun College into an amazing day for a group of Grade 8 students at Lansdowne Middle School.
WHAT IF WE COULD…
The idea came from the thought that middle school students don’t always have an effortless way to access and learn about the trades, hands-on. “We began with the thought, what are the things that every tradesperson needs to know or that come up when you’re labouring,” said Jordan Perrault, director of strategic initiatives for the Construction Foundation of BC.
In the days following this initial conversation, the Trades Extravaganza evolved from an idea to a plan and the original group discussing the event grew to include many more youth supporters.
AN IDEA BECOMES REALITY
“We were able to come up with a wide variety of different games and activities with a focus on trades and more importantly a focus on safety and just engagement,” said Don Cameron, School District 61. “Trying to get the kids as busy and happy as we could with the underlying understanding that trades is a viable option for them”.
The Trades Extravaganza took place at Lansdowne Middle School on the morning of June 22nd and included several stations with a focus on hand and power tools, knot tying, sheet metal, electrical, safety, carpentry, automotive, and crane direction. As a result, students could participate in hands-on relays and tasks to learn through exploration and discovery.
Students were very open to working in teams and teaching each other. Mark Deleeuw of Lansdowne Middle School shared, “I’ve seen students who sometimes are a little bit more withdrawn or less social, even this morning, in the last couple hours, really come out of their shells a little bit and participate more, be more enthusiastic, big smiles on their faces and you can tell that there’s been a lot of enjoyment.”
We like to keep good company and as a result, good things are happening for young people across the province.
The event was featured in the Times Colonist. VIEW THE COMPLETE TIMES COLONIST FEATURE HERE.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Trades Extravaganza:
Jordan Perrault, Construction Foundation of BC – Organizer
Kyle Preston, ITA – Organizer
Don Cameron, SD 61 – Organizer
Mark Deleeuw, Lansdowne Middle School – Organizer
Stephanie Morand, Ellis Don – Safety
Elle Fairley, Aragon – Safety
Rick Carter, Sheet Metal Worker 276 – Sheet Metal
Dan, Advantage Crane – Crane
Lee Kupiak, Thomis Electric – Electrical
Jacob Brothers – Blocks
Tom, Esso on Hillside and Shelbourne – Automotive
Sarah Fitzpatrick, Aon – Volunteer
Sarah Bartfai, VICA – Volunteer
