The Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) made a significant impact within Kootenay-Columbia School District 20 (SD20), providing students with hands-on experience in the trades earlier in December.
Erin Reoch, SD20 trades coordinator, reached out to CFBC about scheduling the school sessions at about the same time that the BC Trades Equity Society (BCTES) Director-at-Large and local tradeswoman, Gabrielle Herle had reached out to fellow tradeswoman, BCTES board member and CFBC facilitator, Lisa Scott, about bringing the programs offered by the CFBC to the Kootenay Boundary region.
CFBC visited four schools, engaging students with practical projects and discussions on career opportunities in the trades.
The initiative kicked off with three Grade 7 classes, involving 80 students who eagerly participated in creating aluminum ring bowls. At the Kootenay Columbia Learning Centre, 16 youth aged 15-18 took part in similar projects, gaining valuable skills and insights.
Stanley Humphries Secondary School hosted two metal working classes with a total of 45 students. The sessions started with discussions on current and future opportunities in the skilled trades and various training options, followed by a 60-minute hands-on project.
At J.L. Crowe Secondary School, two Grade 10 woodworking classes and a Grade 10 Career Life class, totalling 85 students, had the opportunity to work with copper sheet metal, creating their own beautiful copper bracelets.
These projects offered a fun and creative outlet while helping students develop practical skills they might not encounter in their regular curriculum. By engaging in such activities, students gained valuable insights into the trades, sparking interest and potentially inspiring future careers in these fields.
CFBC’s commitment to exposing young people to the trades is crucial in tackling one of the major barriers to attracting today's youth to these professions. Many students lack exposure to the trades, which can deter them from considering these careers. Initiatives like this help bridge that gap by providing a tangible and enjoyable introduction to the skills and opportunities available in the trades.
The CFBC, BCTES and School District 20 look forward to future collaborations together.
