Skills Work!® On The Road – Shannon Skinner, Toronto

My name is Shannon Skinner and I am the Liaison Officer for the Peel and Halton regions.  It has almost been a year since I started with Skills Canada – Ontario and I still feel like a newbie.  I think it will take me participating in my second Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC) to feel like a veteran like my fellow Liaison Officers, Will and Devon.

If you’re unfamiliar with the OTSC, it is the largest skilled trade competition in Canada.  Spectators get to watch amazing secondary and post-secondary students compete in over 60 skilled trade and technology contests.  Last year was a special year to join the team because we had the challenge of running back-to-back competitions:  the OTSC and the Canadian Skills Competition.

I found out what my role was for the OTSC and CSC over lunch on my first day.  Barry, the Competitions Manager, came into the board room to introduce himself to me over lunch.  We got to know each other by discussing our competitive rowing careers and then he asked me a question with a small smile on his face.  “Shannon, do you know how to put together a table saw?”

I thought to myself, "what the heck is a table saw?"

I replied “if it comes in a box with instructions, I’ll give it a shot!”  It turns out I was assigned the task of setting up and distributing all of the tools that were needed onsite for all of the skilled trade contests and challenges happening throughout both competitions.  Lucky for me I had a knowledgeable partner in crime, Will Howe, who had been working with the tools team since he started at Skills.  Together, we managed to get the tools charged, set up and delivered in time for the competitions.  This year I’m going to find myself a brightly coloured hard hat to complete my tool girl look.

The whole experience lasted 19 days and it was best introduction to the job I could imagine.  I was able to see firsthand the results of the hard work Skills Canada-Ontario puts in to promote the skilled trades and technologies to youth across Ontario.

Since that time, I have been to over 100 schools delivering the "Skills Work! ® What's Out There" Presentation, organized two "Skills Work! ® for Women" Networking Dinners and attended four “Skills Work!” Summer Camps.  I have loved every minute of my experience and I’m looking forward to round two!

Skills Work!® for Women – Maria St. Jean, Water Treatment Maintenance/Operator

Many mothers have a difficult time readjusting to the workforce after one year of maternity leave. But what if you spent years – decades even – caring for your family and then decided to go back to the workforce?

Maria St. Jean was in that very position.  After 20 years of being a homemaker, Maria decided to return to work, out of a desire to both provide for her family in a more stable way, and to find a career that was challenging, rewarding and allowed for continuing education.  It wasn’t an easy find.

“When I entered the work force I worked at three other jobs that were not related to the water industry and I also joined my local Volunteer Fire Department.” 

After trying a few things, Maria found her niche in Water Treatment Maintenance and Operations in Timmins.  Her role is to maintain and monitor the equipment for water treatment at the facility and the satellite stations, monitor the chlorine levels, pressure readings and water flows throughout the city.  She also takes water samples, and manages continuous documentation and record keeping.

After four years with the Timmins water treatment facility, she cites observational skills, consistency and ingenuity as the top skills to be successful at her job.  One of the best parts of the job?  “Almost every day there is a new aspect of the job to learn. There is basically never a dull moment.” 

It’s definitely a career that fits the bill for continuous learning and challenge.  Maria points out that one of the biggest challenges is the continuous learning.  She is required to keep up with Ministry of Environment regulations as they change, as well as ensure she takes all the right courses to maintain her license.

Very often, when we meet women in skilled trade or technology careers, they talk about having to work extra hard to prove themselves among the men.  Maria was a different case entirely – the major obstacle she encountered was herself.  “The biggest barrier I had to overcome was my own insecurities that I might not be able to learn all of the aspects of my job at my age. But the more I studied, the more courses I took, I realized that was not the case.”

Maria finds her work rewarding, and has succeeded in the endeavour to pursue something allowing for continuing education.  Her favourite part of the job is that it opens travel opportunities to her.  Her skills can take her across Canada, or into the U.S.

“Keep an open mind. There are unlimited possibilities for young women who want to get into a trade. With a trade you have the ability to cross borders, carry your skills to different countries or simply provide a better life for yourself and your family. The little bit of time it takes to train in a trade (most of it is on the job training), pays itself back almost immediately. I started in the water industry at 44, the doors this career has opened for me are countless to date; just imagine where you could be starting at [a young] age!"

Maria mentored students at this year's Networking Dinner for Women in Timmins on March 29, 2011.

Dreaming of Summer?

“Skills Work!®” Summer Camps are just around the corner!

Parent comment: “My son was able to build things and got excited when describing how he made them.”

 

Parent comment:  “A very positive experience; my daughter told us about what she learned at the camp every day on the way home. She really liked it!”

What happens at “Skills Work!®” Summer Camps?  Everything skilled trades and technology!  Held in conjunction with colleges around Ontario, campers get to experience many different trades and technologies – TV production, cooking, electrical, automotive service, heavy equipment service and drafting, to name a few.  We also take the campers out on tours of industry to see trade and technology careers in action.  For kids who love watching “How It’s Made” on Discovery Channel, it’s like a live version!  Places we’ve toured in the past: 

• Goldcorp Inc. / Porcupine Joint Venture Mine Tour, Timmins
• CBC radio, Sudbury and Thunder Bay
• Ontario Industrial and Finishing Skills Centre, Toronto
• Cogeco local TV studios, Sarnia
• Brookfield Wind Operations, Sault Ste. Marie
• Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough

Camper comment:  “Very hands on, friendly counsellors, everything is very interesting.”

From William Howe, Liaison Officer:

“A few years ago, at one of the camps at Fleming College, we were welding.  After completing their safety instruction, the students were putting on their safety equipment and one of the girls in the camp approached me.  Her name was Hannah and she said to me in a soft voice ‘I am afraid of sparks and flames.’  It just so happened that the welding instructor had brought her daughters with her to help out.  I approached the youngest daughter, who looked about fifteen years old.  This capable young lady asked Hannah to join her in the welding booth to just watch and see how the process works.  The screen closed and some time passed and I was called away to help another camper.  The next time I looked over, I saw the screen whip open and there was Hannah.  Her helmet was flipped up to show a huge grin.  She had her completed project clasped firmly in a pair of tongs and she saw me and exclaimed, ‘I did it!’”

From Devon Turcotte, Liaison Officer:

“In a carpentry workshop one year, campers were making outdoor side tables from cedar – a challenging day-long project that required a lot of patience.  At the end of the day, one of the campers looked at her finished table, crestfallen.  When I asked her what was wrong, she said ‘it doesn’t look very nice.’  The table certainly did have some crooked boards and didn’t quite sit evenly on the concrete floor.  I pointed out that she had never tried anything like this before, she had done an amazing job for a first attempt on such an ambitious project.  When she still looked sad, I went on to say that the next time she wanted to do something like that, she would have so much more experience going in, and it would be that much easier.  She lit right up and said ‘hey, you’re right!’”

From Jennifer Palmer, Summer Camp staff and former Liaison Officer:

“Every year one of my favourite workshops is Welding at Centennial College.  When campers start they are jumping at every spark and make tentative attempts at very shaky welds. By the end of the workshops they are confidently flipping down their masks, smoothly making lines, practicing writing their names, and happily following the instructors as they guide the group through making edge joints. This is a workshop where campers get to learn a unique skill, develop their techniques, and try out a great skilled trade!”

Camper comment:  “I would make the camp longer, like two weeks or so, because this camp was awesome and I didn't want it to end!”

Parent comment: “It is a great opportunity for our son to experience a taste of different industries and fields of work- It is also a great opportunity to build confidence in one's skills, great camp!”

From Karen Throupe – Program Manager, Young Women’s Initiatives and Summer Camps:

“I recall a few years ago having a camper involved that truly loved every minute of his camp experience.  His mom commented that while normally it was difficult to get him out of bed to go to school, when it came to this camp he was so eager to attend each day that he was the first one up in the morning.  I ran into this camper a few years later.  It turns out that the passion he discovered for the skilled trades was still holding strong – he was taking high school technology courses and planning on pursuing an apprenticeship in his future.”

Parent comment: “I think this was one of the better camps my son has attended.”

Camper comment: “This camp was amazing!”

For more information, visit our website.

Watch our camp video at www.youtube.com/skillsontario to see a sample workshop!

Skills Work!® On The Road - Ottawa

Charting New Territory:  Firsts at Skills Canada - Ontario

I am one of the newer Liaison Officers, having started my career with Skills Canada - Ontario just a few months ago, right out of university.  So far I am really enjoying it.  One of the reasons is that Skills Canada - Ontario has offered me many opportunities to experience new things in both my personal and professional life.  So far, most of them have been great.

As you may have gathered by reading previous entries, driving is a very big part of the job.   One of the first things I did after being hired was go out and buy my first car.  As a young, naive girl getting my first licence picture taken I thought owning a car would be awesome.  Sadly I was wrong.  I must admit that after being an avid OC Transpo passenger (Ottawa’s public transit system) for four years, owning a car does have advantages.  However, since as gas hit above 1.20$ recently in the nation’s capital, owning a car has proven to have a challenging side!

One of my favourite things about this job, and the biggest part, is delivering the “Skills Work!® What’s Out There?” presentation.  I will never forget the first time I stood in front of a group of students and had 60 pairs of eyes on me, waiting to hear what I had to say.  What a great experience!  Yes, it was slightly intimidating to have these young people staring at me, and not really knowing what they were thinking.   For me, it is so much fun. It is probably a good thing I love to talk!  I was the girl in the back corner of the class room that teachers were always shushing, and it’s finally coming in handy!  

It seems to me that teachers often ask “Doesn’t this job get repetitive?”  While it is true that the presentation is always the same, the students are all so different that they make the presentation different every time.  They ask different questions and they are interested in different aspects of the presentation.  

I will never forget during one of my first presentations a boy raised his hand and shared with the class that his “life goal is to be on Jersey Shore.”  After this was said, another boy looked at him and said “Have you no ambition?  Aim higher...like Big Brother or something.”  This sparked a debate about which reality show was the best.  The result seemed to be a tie between Survivor and Project Runway.

Standing in front of the class, I had to think of away to bring us back on topic to do so I explained to students that acting was not part of the skilled trades and technologies, but they could look into TV Video Production, Entertainment Industry Power Technicians, or even construction workers who build movie, television and theatre sets.  Presentations have been a really good first time experience.

I think my favourite first has been the Elementary Cardboard Boat race.  It was so much fun!  It was amazing to see all the different designs and approaches.    Even more impressive was to see a boat made of cardboard hold 730lbs, and designed by 12- and 13-year-olds!  

The best thing about the race was the kids were not overly competitive, they really just wanted to see other teams do well.  Kids were more than happy to jump into other teams’ boats during the weight challenge to help out those other teams.  I was impressed to hear the students cheer for opposing teams that did well, and to see cooperation even amongst opposing teams.

In a nutshell, those are my first few months with Skills Canada – Ontario – lots of presentations and tons of really great first time experiences.  My next first:  The Ontario Technological Skills Competition in May!

Emily Collard,
Bilingual Liaison Officer

2011 Klaus D. Woerner Hall of Fame Recipients

Skills Canada – Ontario’s Annual Fundraising Gala was held on March 4, 2011.  A key feature of the event is the official induction of 6 individuals into the Klaus D. Woerner Hall of Fame.

About Klaus Woerner 

The late Klaus Woerner, founder and CEO of ATS Automation Tooling Systems, was a gifted engineer, entrepreneur and business leader who made a significant and lasting contribution to the global automation industry.  Thousands of young engineers and tradespeople around the world have benefited from his commitment to apprenticeship training.  His sharp intellect, dedication to adding value through innovation, global insight and passion to succeed made him one of Canada's great entrepreneurs.

Since 2006, this award has been presented in memory of Klaus Woerner, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of skilled trades and technologies.  Skills Canada – Ontario is proud to recognize the outstanding inductees listed below.



Left to right: Brian Mullen - Chair of the SCO Board of Directors, Clarke Hurley, Aldo Cianfrini, Kevin Graham, Gail Smyth, Hon. John Milloy - Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Astrid Kropp - daughter of Klaus Woerner, Dr. Charles Craig, Norm Fenton, Ken Mercer



EDUCATION RECIPIENT: Aldo Cianfrini, Education Officer, Ministry of Education

Aldo was nominated for the Klaus Woerner Hall of Fame by Dave Graves, from the Halton District School Board, and Audrey Cartile from the Ministry of Education.  Dave and Audrey have cited Aldo’s vision for what is needed and the ability to turn ideas into realities as the key to Aldo’s many accomplishments.

Aldo is great example of where a skill can take you.  He began his career as a carpenter before becoming a secondary school teacher. He later became a curriculum consultant, the CEO for the Centre for Skills Development, Founding Director of the Halton Learning Foundation and then in 2005 became an Education Officer with the Ministry of Education.

Throughout his career, Aldo's accomplishments have been based on a strong work ethic and a deep-seated commitment to skills training. He works selflessly to promote skills and technology because he believes in the importance of these to the country, to the province and to the individual.  His success is a result of his excellent communication skills and his ability to speak to the issue and convince his audience to support initiatives.  He can connect in this manner and establish his credibility with all types of audiences; political, education and business.

UNION REPRESENTATIVE: Clarke Hurley, Training Director of IBEW Local 105 Hamilton

Clarke Hurley has been the training director of IBEW Local 105 Hamilton for over 10 years.  He currently manages and oversees the instruction of 193 apprentices.  He has mentored over 1,000 apprentices through their five-year apprenticeship program.  His commitment went over and above his employment as the training director.  Clarke has also spent countless hours over the years volunteering his time to assist many young men and women when they needed guidance and educational assistance.  

His nominators, Susan Boorman and Corina Hicks, believe that it is people like Clarke who selflessly volunteer their knowledge, enthusiasm, and guidance that inspire young people to reach their full potential.  Some apprentices who were unsure if they had the stamina and fortitude to continue on the road of apprenticeship, were renewed with confidence instilled by Clarke.

The nomination was also supported by a testimonial from one of Clarke’s students, Jeff Grimshaw. 

“I have known Mr. Hurley since I was an 18-year-old, first-year apprentice.  Over the years I was required to attend safety courses at the training centre and I got to know Clarke very well.  His hard work and dedication to apprentices and to teaching is inspirational.  A couple of years ago, Clarke encouraged me to take part in the Skills Ontario Electrical Wiring Contest.  To help me prepare, he set up some practice work at the training centre.  Through his encouragement and guidance, I finished third in the province of Ontario at the Skills Competition.  Clarke spends countless hours working hard to better improve our courses, schooling and to better improve our apprentices.  I am proud to announce that I have recently received my 309A electrical license.”

ALUMNI RECIPIENT: Ken Mercer, Professor, Mohawk College

Ken has been sharing his knowledge of his skills to hundreds of students for over 20 years.  His passion, patience and knowledge of the trade is an inspiration to all that have the honour to know him.  His nominators feel that Ken’s greatest achievements are the hundreds of graduates that share his passion.

As a graduate of Conestoga College’s Industrial Woodworking Program, Ken got his license in the cabinetmaking trade and started his own business “Ken’s Cabinets.”  He received his teaching certificate from Western in 1980 and started teaching at Mohawk College in 1983.  In 2003, he was the recipient of Mohawk Colleges President’s Award of Excellence.

Ken has been involved with Skills Canada – Ontario since its inception in 1989 and has consistently been one of its strongest supporters, volunteering with the Cabinetmaking Contest for almost 20 years.  As the Technical Chair for this contest, Ken dedicates his time and passion for the trade by getting students to participate and his colleagues to judge the contest.  He ensures that each competitor has the tools they need to compete and the donated materials in order for competitors to keep their completed projects.

SECONDARY SCHOOL RECIPIENT:  Kevin Graham, Consultant, Technology and Experiential Learning/Special Initiatives Facilitator

Kevin has been twice recognized for his continuing contributions to technological education.  He is the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Technology and the Dick Hopkins Award of Excellence in Technological Education.

During the past thirteen years, under Kevin's direction, the District School Board of Niagara has expanded the opportunities for its students in technological education, specifically in the skilled trades, through a combination of initiatives including the Skills Event, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program, OYAP, Co-operative Education, ACE (Ambassadors for the Conservation of Energy) an SHSM partnership with the Ontario Power Authority, and DSBN an international cooperative education program with Habitat for Humanity – Global Village.

Kevin is unquestionably an inspiration to others in his tireless efforts to promote the advancement of skilled trades and technologies through inspiring and empowering young students and educators as well as creating awareness and connections in the community.  Kevin is in fact quite humble about his achievements, but it is through his personal efforts, management of others, administration of major programs and his ability to inspire and motivate that such significant accomplishments have been made.

 

POST SECONDARY RECIPIENT:  Norm Fenton, Dean, Durham College, School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship and Renewable Technology

Norm is best described as an outstanding leader, mentor and champion to students, faculty and staff.  He has been a champion of skilled trades and technology, constantly creating, developing and implementing new and exciting ways to attract students to the skills training fields.

Most notably, Norm was a key figure in establishing online learning at the Durham College’s Whitby Campus, which gave apprentices in Ontario’s remote northern communities an opportunity to receive practical training and introduced thousands more young people to careers in the skilled trades who might have been otherwise unable to study in this sector.

Through his own personal efforts, he pioneered online learning for Durham College’s Mechanical Technician – Maintenance and Control and Die/CNC programs as well as all three levels of the Millwright Apprenticeship program.

Norm has previously been recognized for his contributions to education when he received the Ontario Colleges Distinguished Service Award in 2008.

BUSINESS RECIPIENT:  Dr.  Charles Craig, Craig Reading Associates

Dr. Craig was nominated by Brian Tamblyn, President and CEO of Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario.

He first earned a general welding certificate from the Province of Saskatchewan, before completing his Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Science of Education from Syracuse University and a Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Craig’s contribution to the enhancement of trades training in Ontario has been entirely focused on the success of the learner.  His efforts over the past twenty years of project, program and product development has lead to a greater understanding of the learning needs of those involved in the acquisition of technical skills both in the classroom and on the job.

This is evidenced in one of his key publications - The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities/Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology: The Pathways document for those entering high school, a review of Ontario’s high school curriculum against the competencies required for apprenticeship training.

Throughout his career he has held many senior roles, including Manager of Apprenticeship Training Programs for Georgian College, Manager of the Development and Delivery of Women in Skills Trades programs and as a proposal developer/writer then manager of projects in China, Russia, Indian, Iran and Bangladesh.

Congratulations to all of our 2011 inductees!