High School Students Given a Head Start on Skilled Trades Apprenticeships

Cambrian College, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, and Rainbow District School Board are answering the call for more skilled tradespeople. They are teaming up to provide local high school students recognized apprenticeship training.

Under the partnership, 28 participating students in Grades 11 and 12, representing both school boards, will earn dual credits that count toward both their high school and college diplomas, while also qualifying for the academic portion of apprenticeships in the skilled trades of Heavy Duty Technician, Welder/Fitter, and General Carpentry.

“We are hearing from employers that there is a significant shortage now of skilled tradespeople, plus the need to introduce more young people, or the next generation, to the skilled trades in the first place. We think this Dual Credit initiative will help address both issues,” says Chantale Roy, Student Success Coordinator at Cambrian College.

Students taking part in this partnership will attend classes at Cambrian College from February until June. In addition to classroom and shop time, they will receive a co-op opportunity with a local employer.

“Sudbury Catholic Schools is once again excited for this outstanding learning opportunity for our students,” says Daniel Levecque, Co-Operative Education Lead for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “As in the past, students will benefit from both theoretical and hands-on training as part of the Dual Credit Program, as they navigate towards their successful completion of their secondary school diploma AND Level 1 Apprenticeship certification in their respective trade.”

At a sign-up ceremony for the program last night at Cambrian College, participating students and their parents had the opportunity to meet their co-op employers and tour Cambrian’s skilled trades labs.

“Students beginning their apprenticeship journey have a strong circle of support from employers, education partners and parents/guardians. We are proud that 21 students from Rainbow Schools have signed Registered Training Agreements with local employers in Heavy Duty, Carpentry, and Welding. They are getting a head start on exciting careers while earning credits towards their secondary school diploma,” adds Dana Kinsella, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Dual Credit Coordinator for Rainbow District School Board.

This skilled trades Dual Credit initiative is being offered in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and jointly funded by the School College Work Initiative (SCWI) and Ontario Ministry of Labour Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
Photos: High school students with the Rainbow District School Board and Sudbury District Catholic School Board will begin taking courses at Cambrian College that count toward skilled trade apprenticeship training.

Media contacts

Dan Lessard
Manager, Communications
Cambrian College
[email protected]
705-566-8101, ext 6302
705-929-0786 c

Nicole Charette
Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications
Rainbow District School Board
[email protected]
705-674-3171, ext 7217

Carlee Leishman
Communications Officer
Sudbury Catholic District School Board
[email protected]
705-673-5620, ext. 375