Epic Jobs returns after four years

Hundreds of young students converged on the Wayne Gretzky Sports Center Wednesday to explore the idea of ​​a hands-on career in the trades.

The Epic Jobs event, held for the first time since 2019, created a technical playground of opportunities for kids to try a welding simulator, rise up to the ceiling in a scissor-jack and apply insulating material to an HVAC model.

“The hope is to at least expose them to the trades and maybe lean them toward one,” said Mark Skeffington, a spokesperson for the Workforce Planning Board, one of the organizers of the major event.

“One of the values ​​of this event is that it gives a broad spectrum of what you can do in the trades,” Skeffington said, noting that a huge percentage of area tradespeople are nearing retirement, creating a demand for replacement workers that’s going to last for years.

“Even if someone is just 12 or 13 years old, there are going to be opportunities, for sure.”

Currently, there’s a need for welders, millwrights, industrial mechanics, industrial electricians and auto technicians, said Skeffington.

Some of the area’s biggest employers set up booths with power tools and hands-on activities for the students to try.

Companies like Tigercat Industries, JP Bowman and Stelco were getting their names out and trying to interest the students in current and future opportunities.

Several service providers, including police, firefighters and paramedics showcased their use of technology and unions also made connections.

Mark Seguin from the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 95 was stationed at an extensive setup that allowed students to see all the types of insulation the union works with and to try their hand at cutting, applying and sealing insulation at a pipe system model or HVAC duct work simulation.

“We’re a small trade in comparison to others and we have a very small percentage of people out of work at any time,” said Seguin. “In the future – because of the green initiatives and the need for energy efficiency – there’s going to be more and more need for our workers.”

Seguin said the Epic Jobs event helps young students who don’t have a good sense of the variety available in the trades to see the opportunities and the chance to make a good living.

That’s a primary interest for many kids.

St. Mary’s students Jack McIntee, Gavin Persaud and Ethan Chankasingh – all interested in the trades — were impressed with the salary levels quoted at some of the booths they visited.

“It’s about the money and the life experience,” said Persaud.

Epic Jobs was organized by the Workforce Planning Board, the Grand Erie District School Board, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), which is run by both school boards, and Organized Kaos.

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@EXPSGamble