District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) is proud to host Experience the Trades Seminars. Journeyperson and first female winner of the Boilermaker Apprenticeship Award, Leah McIntyre, is touring all DSB1 secondary schools on behalf of the Boilermakers Local 128 Apprenticeship and Training Department. These seminars are funded in part by the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario.
From Monday, September 18 until Wednesday, September 20, seminars took place at Timmins High and Vocational School (TH&VS) and Roland Michener Secondary School (RMSS). A session was offered to students from the Kiskinohamatowin Alternative Secondary School Program (ASSP) at TH&VS.
McIntyre’s goal is to empower more students to get involved in trades. Through her interactive presentation, McIntyre shared advice on how to join the trades and raise awareness of the underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Students participating had the opportunity to work with welding and rigging equipment in a mobile shop.
The presentation is designed to let students see just how much the trades affect their everyday lives, what trades are available, and the many benefits of entering a skilled trade.
McIntyre’s next stops are Kirkland Lake District Composite School, Englehart High School, and Timiskaming District Secondary School throughout the week of September 25 - 28. From October 10-13, students from Hearst High School, Kapuskasing District High School, École Secondaire Cochrane High School and Iroquois Falls Secondary School will have the opportunity to participate.