The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) began an initiative to bring hands-on learning to Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) students across the region, and from June 6 to 10 the initiative visited Rockland District High School. Thirty-two students attended each workshop per day, spending two and a half hours learning carpentry, welding, electrical, fitness, nutrition, and culinary science from an instructor from St. Lawrence College. 

“It’s great that we’re reaching our SHSM students in this way this week,” said Ashley Grant, UCDSB Student Success Learning Partner and co-lead on the initiative. “The two SHSMs offered at RDHS – Agriculture and Health and Wellness – are directly aligned with the six workshops offered. Also, as part of this program, we’ve been ensuring that the groups who are under-represented in skilled trades careers have the opportunity to participate.” 

On Wednesday, June 8, students explored the electrical and fitness trailers.