TranslateTranslate

Attention Parents/Guardians: Is your email address up-to-date with your child's school? Learn more

Notice of February 2025 Cybersecurity Incident Click here for details.

Google Translate Limitations Disclaimer

The electronic translation service on the Rainbow District School Board website is provided by Google Translate, a free third-party service.

Rainbow District School Board does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, correctness or completeness of any translated information.

Translations are generated electronically and are not verified by qualified translators in the language of choice.

The translations are intended to capture the overall intent of the original material presented in English.

Before you act on translated information, please confirm any facts that are important to you or may affect any decisions you make.

Our goal in providing this tool is to make information more accessible to families whose first language is not English.

Thank you.

What’s happening in Rainbow Schools?

First Class: Level 1 Carpentry program gives students a head start on careers

June 26, 2026

Six students from the Rainbow District School Board participated in the first ever OYAP Level 1 Carpentry class offered in partnership with the Local 2486 Carpenters Union. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) prepares young people for careers in the trades.

The students, who were recognized at a special celebration on June 17, 2026, attended the local union training facility in Azilda every afternoon throughout their second semester this year. They were among 12 students who were enrolled in the program.

With a combination of in-class instruction and hands-on training, students had the opportunity to earn their Level 1 Carpentry trade school designation as well as Co-operative Education credits toward their high school diploma and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship hours towards their carpentry careers.

Meet the first group of students from Rainbow Schools who participated in the OYAP Level 1 Carpentry class at the Local 2486 Carpenters Union training facility in Azilda, from left, Payton Somers of Confederation Secondary School, Jack Roy of Chelmsford Valley District Composite School, Logan Barton of Lively District Secondary School, Bill Rouleau, Local 2486 Instructor, Austin Boyd of Chelmsford Valley District Composite School, Alex Beaulne of Confederation Secondary School, and Brock Maille of Chelmsford Valley District Composite School.

“The students have signed registered training agreements with the union and are now able to move forward with their careers upon graduation from their secondary schools,” said Jennifer Burns, Co-operative Education and OYAP Co-ordinator with the Rainbow District School Board. “The program was very successful and will continue in February 2027.”

Bruce Bourget, Chief Executive Officer with the Rainbow District School Board, congratulated students on their hard work, dedication and commitment. “Employment opportunities in the skilled trades are greater than ever,” he said. “I thank the Local 2486 Carpenters Union for partnering with local school boards to give students a head start on their careers. Everyone benefits when we work together for student success.”

Participating students from the Rainbow District School Board included Payton Somers and Alex Beaulne from Confederation Secondary School; Jack Roy, Brock Maille and Austin Boyd from Chelmsford Valley District Composite School; and Logan Barton from Lively District Secondary School. “As program pioneers, these students have paved the way for those who will follow in their footsteps,” said CEO Bruce Bourget. “We wish all participating students continued success.”

-30-

Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217

Work with Rainbow Schools Back to top