It was a day spent sparking intrigue in local youth, as students from across the region got first-hand experience in the trades.
Whether they were passionate about oil well servicing or carpentry, the Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) Trades Carnival had it all available for students across the division to experience.
“This is our second Trades Carnival. We invited post-secondary institutions in the local area as well as local industry partners to come and share their knowledge and information about their jobs and what they do, educate kids on some of the training they might need to get there, and they have interactive and hands-on activities for the youth to do,” explained Mark Centazzo, dual-credit coordinator for NLPS.
Over 200 youth flocked to the NLPS Trades Exposure Centre in Bonnyville for the event on Thursday, May 30, in anticipation of getting a glimpse at what the trades have to offer.
Students were invited to circulate through the booths and activities, which varied from electric work to hairstyling.
Alesa LaRocque (left) tries her hand at the triple clamp with the assistance of Dean Cardinal from Seven Lakes Oilfield Services.
Centazzo said it's a chance for them to "get educated on the post-secondary and industry training that's available in our own backyard."
“It’s great exposure to show them there’s career exploration out there in different areas that may be something they didn’t think was possible for them to do,” noted Eileen Arthur, business and industry coordinator of the school of trades and technology for Lakeland College. “They may find out it’s something they don’t want to do. I’ve had students come in thinking they want to be a welder, and after trying out our booth, they think ‘maybe not.'"
She touched on the importance of testing the waters and finding a career that you're passionate about.
"You'll never work a day in your life if you love what you do," she exclaimed.
Sandy Jackson, industry relations and business development with Pimee Well Services, felt the Trades Carnival was an opportunity not only for the students to get a look at what's available, but for companies to show off what they're all about.
“There’s several fronts that we look at when we take part in trade shows, especially for the younger generation here that are from the high school programs. I think it’s being able to showcase the company, and of course, to expose the young people to the service rig industry, which is what we’re a part of,” stated Jackson.
The event is also a good reminder that there are
Some of the braver students took a ride in a boom lift.
other options than just university and college post-high school.
"There are opportunities that exist in other sectors like the trades and the fields we’re in. Being able to have that awareness and for them to know that these opportunities are there and they’re good opportunities, I think it’s a way for them to be able to have that exposure, which is important."
Grade 12 Cold Lake High School student Tyrese Marten was excited about getting to test out oil well servicing.
“I think it would be a good career,” he said.
Mitchell Driedger is a former Bonnyville Centralized High School student who has pursued a bachelor of science at MacEwan University. He took part in the NLPS Trades Exposure program and described it as a great way to get a head start on your career.
"I think it's cool that they have a whole (service) rig here as part of the school division," he noted.
Driedger currently works on the maintenance crew for Pimee Well Oil Services and was on-hand at the event to help teach students like Marten a thing or two about the job.
Taking a shot at carpentry is Grade 9 CLHS student Evan Acaessie (left). Lending him a hand is Lakeland College carpentry instructorTrevor Provick.
For Grade 10 Notre Dame High School students Aurora Reicker and Khim Obeja, the Trades Carnival gave them a glimpse into the path their parents chose.
“Some of the careers have to do with the pipeline, and our dads work on the pipeline. We wanted to check it out,” noted Reicker.
Obeja added, “We wanted to see what it’s like with the different types of career choices that are in the trades."
She explained how not only did the event put trades in the spotlight, but also acted as a reminder that those who work in the various trade-based industries are vital when it comes to our everyday lives.
“A lot of people don’t usually think about the trades, they assume it’s the people who are less educated or who aren’t very academically skilled. It’s not like that at all,” stressed Obeja. “Basically what Alberta is known for is oil and gas production, without those people, we wouldn’t be who we are."
Regardless of whether a student found comfort in truck driving, welding, or carpentry, Centazzo said the day is all about finding what feels right.
Mike Rozka (right), lab technician at Lakeland College, gives Grade 10 CLHS student Dylan Willder a few tips.
“We know kids are always looking for hands-on activities, so our push was for an interactive trades fair instead of the kind where you go to a table and listen. Our push was to have that hands-on aspect, and our industry partners have come full force with hands-on,” he expressed. “Opportunities like this gives them just a flavour of it, but it might convince a student that it’s something they’re interested in, or they’ve tried it and are satisfied and know it’s not for them."
