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!

Skills Work!® On The Road - Sudbury

Dinos and Saucers and Moose, Oh My!

The previous two Skills Work!® On The Road posts were contributed by our two most experienced Liaison Officers, Devon Turcotte from Woodbridge and William Howe from Peterborough.  They told you about some of the more unusual experiences they have come across in their 9 combined years “on the road.”  Since I have been on the road for less than a year, I haven’t experienced anything quite as extraordinary with school presentations. So instead, I’m going to tell you about some of the extraordinary things I came across recently while actually “on the road.”

My geographic region is the Near North, which is why I’m based out of Sudbury.  A couple of months ago I went on my first multi-day, long-distance road trip to visit schools in the communities farthest away from my home.  I planned out my trip to cover as much ground as possible in a week – I drove 1985 km in 5 days, and spent just over 22.5 hours in the car.  That’s almost 400 km and 4.5 hours of driving each day!

Considering my region is the largest geographic area for a Liaison Officer,  I must make several week-long trips during the school year.  This trip included presentations at some very small schools in small towns (I presented to a class of 8 students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8!), which made the trip very memorable, but one thing I didn’t expect on the trip was the amount of roadside attractions I encountered.

I had heard of the famous giant goose in Wawa (which I learned is not the only giant goose in town – my hotel had a giant goose on its roof and I saw a couple others around town), but little did I know that I was going to drive by some lesser known giants on my trip.

I saw a giant snowman in Beardmore, a pack of giant wolves attacking two giant moose in Hearst, a giant nativity scene in Kapuskasing and a full-sized replica of a giant dinosaur, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, on the highway near Mattice!

Another fantastic sight I drove past was a flying saucer, proudly displayed outside the tourism centre in the town of Moonbeam.  And of course, I almost forgot a giant roadside attraction that we have right here in Sudbury - the Big Nickel!  These are just a few of the many roadside attractions around the province, which can showcase the personality of a town or region. 

Next time you see a roadside attraction like these, remember that they were also designed, built and installed by people in skilled trade and technology careers!  And I just love that I get to travel to new places while making sure that even the small towns in remote locations around our beautiful province get to hear our message about the myriad of opportunities that are out there in the skilled trades and technology!  So follow your passion and do what you love, so you’ll always love what you do!

Mauricio Ospina

Bilingual Liaison Officer

Click here to see where Mauricio and the rest of the Liaison Team have travelled so far this school year!

Ms. Skills - From the Executive Director

BUILDING FUTURES, ONE DREAM AT A TIME

Skills Canada – Ontario will host its 10th Annual Fundraising Gala on March 4

There have been countless articles written about the impending shortage of skilled tradespeople.  In a recent edition of Maclean's, Canada’s most famous contractor, Mike Holmes was quoted as saying, “in 10 years, we’re going to be a million tradespeople short.”

Convinced yet?   We have been convinced for over 21 years that young people can have a very rewarding future by choosing the skilled trades as a career path.

Enabling change requires action.  We need to give our young people the opportunity to explore the skilled trades and technologies as career choices if we hope to strengthen our workforce, and develop the talent our province requires to stand out in a very competitive global economy.

On March 4, 2011, Skills Canada – Ontario will host its 10^th Annual Fundraising Gala, appropriately themed “Building Futures, One Dream At A Time.”  It is always a very exciting evening that features dinner, live music, and a silent auction.  This year, we will also incorporate a live auction into the evening.

The event was established by the Board of Directors to raise funds for the Skills Canada – Ontario Bursary, which provides financial assistance to competitors from Ontario that advance to the Canadian Skills Competition.  It also provides assistance to students participating in other Skills Canada – Ontario programs where costs may be prohibitive.

We have countless stories of young people who have participated in programs offered by Skills Canada – Ontario who have gone on to have engaging, successful careers.  Celebrating their success, as well as the success of other skilled tradespeople associated with our organization, is something we are very proud to share.

Our Fundraising Gala also features inductions into the Klaus D. Woerner Hall of Fame.  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.

The Hall of Fame Awards recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of skilled trades and technologies. Since 2006, this award has been presented in memory of Klaus Woerner, a trailblazer for the skilled trades.  Visit our website to see a list of past recipients.

We would be happy to have you join us at this exciting event.  For information, or to order tickets, click here.

Gail Smyth

Executive Director, Skills Canada - Ontario