On May 14th and 15th Loyalist College will welcome secondary school educators from the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, to a Skilled Trades and Technology Conference in the Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the skilled trades and technology fields through interactive, hands-on learning experiences in automotive, building construction, electrical, precision machining, welding and civil engineering. The event for secondary school teachers is supported by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.
“Students turn to their teachers as advisors when making their post-secondary choices,” said Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy. “There are a number of exciting career opportunities available in the skilled trades and we are pleased to have this opportunity to heighten the understanding of these areas. We appreciate the generous support provided by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation to enable us to host this event for our partners in education.”
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Who: |
Secondary School teachers, administrators and Board trustees from Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (Wednesday, May 14th), and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (Thursday, May 15th) |
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What: |
Skilled Trades and Technology Conference |
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When: |
Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th |
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8:50 – 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and opening comments |
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9:00 – 9:35 a.m. |
May 14th – Guest speaker, Tammy Evans, Past President and current Director of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) |
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May 15th – Guest speaker, Jane Neville, President of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) |
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9:35 – 10:30 a.m. |
Labour market information and panel questions |
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10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Series of hands-on shop experience sessions |
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Follow-up evaluation and wrap-up |
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Where: |
Loyalist College Campus,Wallbridge-Loyalist Rd., Belleville |
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“One of the well-known factors impacting the lack of diversity within the predominantly male dominated Canadian construction industry is low awareness and discussion of skilled trades as viable and lucrative professional career options within our educational system and our homes,” explained Tammy Evans, guest speaker on May 14th, Past President and Director of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC). “We must change the conversation by opening up the discussion within our high schools, elementary schools and at home. Within the educational system, we must continue to raise awareness of the career satisfaction, lifestyle and economic advantages of choosing a professional trade, to increase the number of women entering into professional skilled trades programs. This is an urgent, important step forward for the economic health of Canadian families and our economy.”
The W. Garfield Weston Fellowship Program at Loyalist College
In 2013, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation introduced a three-year pilot project at Loyalist to provide financial support to help 60 students train for and succeed in the growing skilled trades labour market. The W. Garfield Weston Fellowship Program will provide 30 post-secondary students and 30 apprentices with tuition credits from the College, and bursary funding from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation to complete their education at Loyalist. The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has committed up to $240,000 in support through this program.
The W. Garfield Weston Foundation is a private Canadian family foundation, established in the 1950s by Willard Garfield Weston and his wife Reta. In 1942 Garfield inherited his father’s company and established baking and retail businesses throughout Canada and in many parts of the world. The founders believed that, as the funds are generated through the hard work and success of his Canadian companies, grants should be given in Canada for the benefit of Canadians. For three generations, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has maintained a family tradition of supporting charitable organizations across Canada. Today the Foundation directs the majority of its funds to projects in the fields of neuroscience, land conservation, education and scientific research in Canada’s North.
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers 65 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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To schedule an interview or confirm media attendance at the event, please contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Director, Marketing and Communications, Loyalist College,
klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca , (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536