Students explore careers at North American Mining Expo

Some 150 students from Rainbow Schools will explore careers when they attend the North American Mining Expo on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at the Centennial Arena in Hanmer from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Students enrolled in the trades as well as Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) in Mining, Manufacturing and Construction from Confederation Secondary School, Espanola High School, Lively District Secondary School, Lockerby Composite School and Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School will visit over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in mining equipment and technology. 

“Linking instruction with hands-on learning helps students make the connection between the classroom and the world of work,” said Leo Leclair, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program Co-ordinator for Rainbow District School Board. 

“A broad range of sectors will be represented at the North American Mining Expo, giving students an opportunity to learn about everything from mineral processing to telecommunications,” added Leclair. “They will discover, first-hand, that the mining and mining supply and services industry offers a world of opportunities.” 

Rainbow District School Board thanks Modern Mining & Technology Sudbury for providing transportation to enable students to participate in this world-class event, which complements the goals of the Specialist High Skills Major curriculum.

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized, Ministry of Education approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). SHSMs assist students in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace.

Rainbow District School Board offers Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in ten sectors: Arts and Culture, Business, Construction, Energy, Environment, Health and Wellness, Information Communication Technology, Manufacturing, Mining and Sports. Each Specialist High Skills Major is a bundle of 8 to 10 courses in a selected field. Students learn on the job and can earn valuable industry certifications.

These programs enable students to gain sector specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and prepare in a focused way for graduation and postsecondary education, training or employment.

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Media Contact:

Leo Leclair, Program Coordinator, Specialist High Skills Major

Rainbow District School Board, 705-523-3308, ext. 8203.