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CPHS Students Get Hands-On with Trades
CPHS Students Get Hands-On with Trades
Posted on 04/08/2022

Learning to weld, build, wire circuits, cook, and how to move and fuel your body in ways to make it strong and healthy – this is what Grade 8 and Grade 9 students at Carleton Place High School (CPHS) took part in this week.

Students had the opportunity to weld, both in real 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 CPHS, students were able to sign up for one of the
six workshops that interested them most 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.  

“I don’t really have too much experience with electrical,” said
Hunter Curtis, who after an hour of working on his circuit board was able to explain how to connect the wires to make the lights come and ring the doorbell. As was Adrian Harrower, a fellow Grade 8 student.

“The hardest part was the doorbell and getting that to work,” said
Adrian.

By the end of the week, approximately 140 students at CPHS 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
Perth & District Collegiate Institute for the week of April 11 – April 14.

For media inquiries, please contact:

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

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