Professional Development Day Supported by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
On May 24, 2013, Loyalist College welcomed more than 100 secondary school teachers, administrators, and Board trustees for a Skilled Trades & Technology Conference in the Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre. Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) educators attended the interactive initiative as part of a scheduled Professional Development (PD) Day supported by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.
The event was designed to prepare teachers to educate students on the wide range of career options in Skilled Trades. Through hands-on workshops led by industry-expert professors, teachers experienced the advanced skills and precision required to operate state-of-the-art technology and equipment used in the field. The participating teachers represented St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School, St. Paul Catholic Secondary School, and Nicholson Catholic College, as well as Loyola School of Adult and Continuing Education.
The Science and Technology Conference opened with a panel presentation from Chris King, Chief Executive Officer, Quinte Economic Development; Greg Sudds, President & General Manager, West City Honda; William (Bill) Bosiak, W. R. Bosiak Construction; and Bob Forder, Chair, Quinte Manufacturers Association.
Teachers from the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board participate in ‘Ask a Skilled Professional’ sessions.
Welding Professor John Grieve (right) shows Loyalist President Maureen Piercy (centre) and Jody DiRocco, Director of Education and Secretary to the Board, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (left), how to use the College’s Virtual Welder.
The W. Garfield Weston Fellowship Program at Loyalist College
To create a framework for student success, Loyalist and The W. Garfield Weston Foundation have also introduced a three-year pilot project, which will 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 over the next three years. Beginning in the fall of 2013 with a total commitment of $240,000 from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, the Program at Loyalist will be one that leads other colleges forward in building a stronger workforce.