Students trade textbooks for tools in hands-on career spotlight

High school students built the foundation for an occupation in the skilled trades during the Think Construction Career Spotlight program on Tuesday.

Students in grades 10 to 12 who are interested in pursuing a career in the trades spent the day at the Regina Skills and Trades Centre taking part in various workshops.

“What we’re trying to do here is have some hands-on activities (and an) emphasis on safety for the kids so that they are aware of where the opportunities are going to be and what’s expected of them,” said Gordon Heidel, executive director of the Regina District Industry Education Council.

The program gives exposure to the trades for students who don’t have the opportunity to take similar classes in school.

Students were taught basic electrical and plumbing work like bending pipe and running wire. They also worked with sheet metal to make a toolbox and built a picnic table or doghouse in carpentry class.

Heidel explained the goal is to give students enough knowledge to make an informed decision.

“The key to being happy in your career is really owning it,” said Heidel. “That’s what we want for the students today is to have these experiences so that they can make informed decisions and own the career path that they choose.”

Grade 11 student Destiny Dubois is thinking about pursuing a career in trades. Dubois was inspired to pursue the trades after her sister went through the same program and built her mother’s house on a reserve.

“I don’t know what I want to do after high school,” Dubois said. “That’s why I’m kind of thinking more of it now and that’s why I wanted to come here today.”

This is the program’s sixth year and Heidel said the response from students has been encouraging.