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WHITBY -- A group of students who took a summer camp program at Durham College could help rectify the skills shortage that Ontario is facing.
Skills Ontario, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the skilled trades and technologies, is working toward an economically vibrant Ontario while encouraging the next generation of workers to do what they love.
The Skills Work! Camp, a week-long day program for kids entering grades 7 and 8, was held at Durham College’s Whitby campus in August.
“I think they’re getting the idea that apprenticeships and colleges are the option if these are the careers that they want to go in,” said Jennifer Hood, a liaison officer with Skills Ontario.
You’re always innovating and you’re always creating. Donald A. Wilson Secondary School student
She said the camp at Durham College is one of 26 that Skills Ontario is running throughout the province this summer.
“I wanted to try something different and see what I’d like to do in the future,” said Rashad Ali, a student about to enter Grade 8 at a Scarborough school.
Campers take part in hands-on counsellor and industry-led workshops in industrial, construction, motive power, services and technology sectors. Durham College instructors led some of the workshops.
“I think this camp gives them a taste of the different trades,” said Skills Ontario liaison officer Higgen Li.
Rashad has found he’s interested in the carpentry and automotive industries, but he’s not settled on what he’ll do when he’s finished high school.
“I really like cars,” Rashad said.
The students explored careers in skilled trades through interactive games, industry tours and entrepreneurship programs.
At the camp on Aug. 12, students made miniature cars and raced their finished products.
“I enjoy it a lot,” said Hari Venkatraman, a student going into Grade 8 at John Dryden Public School.
Other activities throughout the week included a carpentry workshop; apple swan carving; and an automotive workshop.
Curtis Munns, about to begin Grade 9 at Donald A. Wilson Secondary School, is particularly interested in engineering and thought he’d like to get some experience in some of the trades this summer.
“You’re always innovating and you’re always creating,” he said of the camp.
