Specialist training introduced at Holy Trinity

Norfolk firefighters Brad Bakker and Stephen Lem teach Fire Extinguisher Safety at Holy Trinity on March 21.

Leah Bauer

Advocate Correspondent

Holy Trinity Catholic High School has been proud to offer programs that enable students to graduate with a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM).

The specialized SHSM program at HT allows students to develop skills for a future career, while gaining the necessary certifications and hands-on training. It offers training and certifications for students in the following areas: sports, transportation, agriculture, construction, health and wellness, as well as hospitality and tourism.

On March 21st, HT welcomed Norfolk firefighters Brad Bakker (Station 4) and Stephen Lem (Station 9) into their classrooms to teach fire extinguisher training and safety. Students had the added benefit of gaining hands-on experience and safety training.

The firefighters were excited for this opportunity to engage and educate the students as since the Covid pandemic they haven’t been able to get into the schools to present. Which is unfortunate, as prior to the pandemic Norfolk was respected for its high-quality fire education programs.

Carla Aitken, organizer, highlighted how having the SHSM program under a student’s belt upon graduation can translate into increased work opportunities. When students who have participated in the SHSM program graduate they receive a red seal which puts their application “right at the top” and makes them more employable.

Trades teacher Reg Ellis noted how this program gives advantages to students who are not university-bound giving all students equal opportunity to excel, even if their interests lie more in the skilled trades as opposed to academia.