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Students Receive Real-World Experiential Learning Experience With The Trades
Students Receive Real-World Experiential Learning Experience With The Trades
Posted on 04/13/2022
PDCI students receiving hands-on learning about the trades.

April 13, 2022 – An energetic and excited group of Grade 8, Grade 9, and Grade 11 students at Perth District & Collegiate Institute (PDCI) engaged in a unique hands-on experience this week that allowed them to learn how to build, cook, weld, and how to move and fuel their body in ways to make it strong and healthy.

Students will get the opportunity to weld, both in Students receiving ands-on learninghreal life and through virtual reality simulation; learn about fitness, nutrition and how to cook; and talk with experienced electricians and carpenters, and then learn how to use power tools and build electrical circuits. These hands-on and real-world activities are part of the UCDSB Specialist High Skills Major Program and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program initiative to bring the St. Lawrence College Mobile Skills Training Labs to 11 secondary schools across our district, one week at a time, from April 4 until June 17. 
At PDCI, some students with a specific interest in the trades were able to sign up for one of the six workshops and attend a two-and-a-half-hour session, hosted by an instructor or trainer from St. Lawrence College.  
“Students are able to learn more about these trades and industries and it’s really getting them to think about courses they may want to take in high school, and opportunities they may have beyond that,” explains Lauren Levac, Student Success Learning Partner, and co-lead on this initiative. “We are especially interested in ensuring that young women and Indigenous students get an opportunity to participate. Both are groups that are generally under-represented in these areas.”  
Although sessions are longer than a typical class would be, it’s no challenge to keep students focused or get them to retain what they’ve learned.    

Students receiving ands-on learning“I learned how to use multiple power tools and different materials for carpentry,” explained Grade 8 student Ewan Beatty, who after two hours of cutting, gluing, sanding, measuring, and drilling had a completed picture-frame sized whiteboard to have in his locker to help him remember important schoolwork. “I've always enjoyed woodworking and this opportunity inspired me to pursue it in Grade 9. It was a great experience.”  

Fellow eighth-grader, Nathan Johnson said he did not have any prior woodworking knowledge prior to the session but learned a lot and was a rising star of the day. “It was easier than I expected it to be, and it was fun,” he said. Nathan is planning to continue woodworking as he enters Grade 9.   

During the culinary workshop, students were making tacos from scratch – tortilla shells, guacamole, and chopping produce. “My favourite part was learning new skills Students receiving ands-on learningincluding how to better chop up onions and learning new recipes,” said James Renaud, who praised the opportunity to take part in the workshop. “It’s fun to try new things and you don't know if you like it until you try it.”  

By the end of the week, approximately 108 students at PDCI will have had an opportunity to take part in one of the sessions. Those who participate will earn a micro-credential certificate from St. Lawrence College.  
The trailers will move to Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute for the week of April 19 – April 22.    

For media inquiries, please contact:   

April Scott-Clarke   Manager of Communications   Upper Canada District School Board   [email protected] 

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