Grade 7/8 students get a taste of college life

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
OYAP News Release

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On November 23, and 30, grade seven and eight students will be attending interactive information sessions that have been organized as a means of highlighting trades-focussed college programs.

Current college students will work with the grade 7 and 8 students to build, observe, create, and interact with a variety of activities in as many as 10 different learning environments as part of an annual effort coordinated by the School College Work Initiative.

“We are trying to change perceptions of the trades by showing students that a career in a trades-based industry is not just a valid option, it is an exciting, stimulating one that provides an excellent income and increased job satisfaction,” said Kevin Hotten, OYAP Coordinator, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.

The College visits will be held at both Canadore College and College Boréal with interactive sessions that will include but not be limited to the aviation, automotive, electrical, plumbing, culinary and theatre arts programs. The exercise will be a two day event with approximately 150 grade seven and 150 grade eight students attending.

There will be a third event in May 2008 that will further reinforce the School College Work Initiative’s goal of promoting the trades as a desirable career option not just to area students, but to their parents and teachers as well.

“There is a definite shortage of skilled trade workers in Canada and we need to communicate the fact that these are desirable careers with immediate and substantial rewards,” Kevin added.

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