Confederation Secondary School Hosts Trades Day

Confederation Secondary School in Val Caron will host its annual Trades Day on Wednesday, December 20th, 2006. Over 125 Grade 8 students from several elementary schools will get a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative trades classes at the school from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

“Students at Confederation Secondary School have the privilege of being able to experience some of the best technological programs in Northern Ontario,” says Confederation Secondary School Principal Mike Mirka.

Students can enroll in AutoCAD drafting in the Design Tech Lab or car maintenance and repair in the Transportation area. They can also complete wood projects in Construction, make a variety of metal projects in Manufacturing, learn to cook and cater banquets in the Hospitality class and discover Music technology through the school’s new recording studio.

There are over 150 occupations and careers in the trades, ranging from general carpenters, plumbers, millwrights, heavy duty mechanics, and motorcycle mechanics to lesser known occupations such as arborists, chefs or tool and die makers.

“It is common knowledge that there is a shortage of skilled trades people in Canada today,” says Mirka. “Skilled workers are involved in almost every aspect of our economy and they’re in high demand in Ontario’s rapidly changing workforce. Not only do these jobs pay well, they offer interesting and challenging career opportunities in a variety of fields.”

How does a young person get into one of these trades or get to know what trade might be best for them? “Taking a shop class or two while in secondary school is certainly a good place to start,” says Mirka.

He adds: “We encourage all Grade 8 students to come and explore their options. The opportunities are endless.”

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Media Contact:

Mike Mirka, Principal, Confederation Secondary School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-897-4985