Exploring the future

Memorial Gardens was alive with activity today as thousands of area youth take in the Explore the Trades event.

In response to the shortage in the skill trade sector, the event is targeted at opening doors for students, unemployed youth, at-risk youth, as well as the general public who are interested in a career as a skilled trades person.

YES Employment stepped up to organise the event this year’s event when the Local Training and Adjustment Board was unable to facilitate.

Gisele Cousineau, Executive Director of YES Employment says the day is the best way for youth to look at the trades and meet employers.

“Everything you ever wanted to know about the trades is answered under this roof today,” she states.

“A lot of the displays are hands on so the youth can actually get in and see what it’s all about.”

Captain Tony Turco with the local DND recruitment office tells BayToday that the Canadian Forces offers a comprehensive and diverse opportunity when it comes to the trades.

“What you see today is only 25 percent of what a career in the forces can offer,” he states.

“You can do anything from being an aircraft tech, clerk, pilot, fire fighter, to a lawyer, or a cook … whatever it takes to run a community we’ve got it.”

“We’ll even cover the costs of your schooling for a trade if you join up.”

Highlights of the event were the Iron Chef and Hairstyling Competition.