« return to Success Stories

Building a House from the ground up!

Sudbury Secondary School


Sudbury Secondary School is giving new meaning to hands-on learning. Students are building a house from A to Z under the guidance of experts in the field.  It’s all part of a new program called T.R.A.D.E.S. – Technology Relevant Apprenticeship Driven Education for Students – and it’s a first in our community which combines technological studies along with a work experience placement. 

When the key is in the door students will gather to celebrate the creation of a home they built from the ground up, says construction technology and coop teacher, Martin Rabouin.  The 1,100 square foot bungalow, located on Louisa Street in the City’s south end is a dream come true for many young apprentice hopefuls.
 
Students earn four credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma – two in construction technology and two in cooperative education under the OYAP option. In addition, students complete certification from NORCAT in WHMIS, Young Employee Safety Training, and Fall Arrest as well as on-line Project Build Certification in Residential Construction from the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.

The project was recently launched in partnership with contractor Ken Kaltiainen of Nor-Ont Design & Drafting (Sudbury) Ltd. and developer Arnel Michel of Ludger Michel Estates.  Kaltiainen says the current shortage in skilled trades is at a ‘crisis’ level.  “You just can’t get trades people when you want them.  All of our trades’ people are getting older and retiring.  Not enough young people are entering apprenticeships to replace them.  All of this is happening at a time when the construction industry is flourishing with new housing start ups and home renovations.  This is alarming when you consider that it takes 58 trades to build a house”

Students are gaining important skills in a variety of construction trades from carpentry to plumbing to roofing and more.  Eight are officially registered as general carpenter apprentices through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.  Apprentice carpenters are provided with a training standard which enables them to keep a record of the skills they learn throughout their training. 

“I like the opportunity to start a trade while in high school”, says Patrick Giroux.  Marcel Beauchamp sums it up:  “It’s the best way to learn.”


Job: Carpenter      

Description: Uses hand and power tools.  Estimates, calculates and layouts projects.  Does interior and exterior finishing.  Installs doors, windows and hardware components.  Builds stairs, counters and cupboards. Lays flooring.  Erects scaffolding.  Installs suspended ceilings.  Constructs concrete framework and welds       

Length of time to train: 3-4 years. 7200 hours       

Recommended education, courses and skills:  Math, physics, drafting, geometry and blueprint reading.  Effective analytical and communications skills also help. Minimum grade 10       

Training required to work in the trade:  Apprenticeship recommended. Voluntary trade   
   

Eight T.R.A.D.E.S. students sign up officially as general carpenter apprentices through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program!!!

Congratulations to our newest carpenter apprentices!
Corey Levert, Kyle Moore, Sean Giroux, Kyra Shea Linn, Victor Shaganash, Victor Banks, Laina Roy, Madison Fowler, with sponsor Nor-Ont Design & Drafting (Sudbury) Ltd. and construction technology and coop teacher Martin Rabouin.

A special thank you to ken Kaltiainen of Nor-Ont Design and Drafting (Sudbury) Ltd. and developer Arnel Michel of Ludger Michel Estates for providing the expertise and resources.