A record-high 2,400 students got a lesson in the trades at the Epic Jobs hands-on skills trades fair on Wednesday.
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Grade 7 and 8 students from schools across the Grand Erie region spent hours at Epic Jobs 2024, held at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Center, taking over the floor of one rink and an outdoor parking lot.
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“We saw a lot of happy smiles on the faces of students, which is proof in itself of what a hit Epic Jobs was,” said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, the event’s main organizer.
“Students were excited and curious to learn about dozens of trades, meet tradespeople and try the many hands-on activities. Girls were just as interested as the boys, which is great to see because we need more women in the trades in the future.”
Students could try their hand at soldering pipe, operate a crane, strip electrical wire, use power tools, ride a scissor lift, and put on safety equipment used by hydro workers, construction workers and firefighters. They could also get an up-close look at heavy equipment, including a $1-million piece of forestry equipment, participate in a construction skills competition or race around a police obstacle course.
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Organizations that employ or train people who work in service-related jobs, from youth workers to hairstylists, also showcased what they do.
Dalton said Epic Jobs 2024 was made possible by the support and contributions of 60 partners, sponsors and exhibitors, all of whom had a shared goal to show what great opportunities there are in the trades and related careers.
“We’re very grateful for these community minded companies, trade unions, colleges and organizations for sharing what they do and what careers they offer,” she said. “These students can be working for them within the next five to 10 years.”
Dalton also thanked the dozens of volunteers, some of whom are retired tradespeople, school board staff and employees at community agencies, for making the latest Epic Jobs the largest and most successful yet since it was first held in 2017.
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Organizing partners were the Grand Erie District School Board, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Specialist High Skills Major operated by the school boards, Organized Kaos and the planning board.
Major sponsors were Stelco, LiUNA Local 837, Ontario Power Generation, Grand Renewable Wind and Simply Electric.
“Stelco Lake Erie Works is located in Nanticoke and it is important for students and schools to know the various well-paying, secure jobs right in their community,” said Erica Chow, a human resources recruiter at Stelco. “A career in the trades can lead to growth opportunities in engineering, specialist roles and management. The skills and transferrable skills you learn in trades can be used at home and work.”
The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 non-profit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labor force planning.
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