Event promotes trades to students

W.D. Bronz/Braunz Construction used a Tim Horton’s gift card as the prize in a nail-hammering contest to entice students into the booth. Billy Braun, centre, encourages students, from left, Kypton Lofthouse, Gavin Wernham, Drew Hunter, and David Lamers during the event. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Mention trades and most people think of plumbers, electricians or mechanics, however registered trades are much more than that.

In fact, there are more than 125 registered trades in Ontario. Some jobs that may not be typically thought of as trades include hairstylist, horse groomer, herdsman, carpenter, cabinet maker and so much more.

Trick of the Trades at Glendale High School on Nov. 18 promoted the trades and opened students’ eyes to possibilities in the trades. The event was a partnership between Glendale, the Multi-Service Centre and the Town of Tillsonburg.

Fanshawe College was at the event, promoting the institution’s technology programs.

“Whether it’s Woodstock, Simcoe or London, there are so many technical programs so close to home. We really are fortunate,” said Eric Collins, student engagement specialist with Fanshawe.

For instance, he mentioned heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technician are offered in Woodstock, as well as hairstylist.

At the LiUNA booth, students could assemble a small-scale structure and see what it’s like to be on a job site through a virtual reality program.

Kyle Hodgins of LiUNA gave the example of construction craft worker, a program that requires 4,000 apprentice hours and brings with it a top rate of $40 per hour.

“It’s a great opportunity, short-term apprenticeship if individuals like working outside with their hands,” he said. “It’s a rewarding career.”

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture informed students there is much more to agriculture trades than growing up on a farm. Laura Fraser, member services representative for Oxford County, said there are 40 different agriculture-related careers available.

“Sometimes in agriculture there’s a misconception you need to be from a farm background, but it’s very much the opposite,” she said.

Goga Hadwen, sales and human resources with Townsend Lumber, attended Trick of the Trades to promote the many different options the company is always hiring for. These include log buyer, lumber grader, tree marker and truck driver.

As students passed through Trick of the Trades, they could collect stamps at each booth to encourage learning about each trade.

“We wanted to ensure students are aware of the many options in trades here locally,” said planning committee chair Heather Burke of the Multi-Service Centre.