College hosts trades event for Grade 9 students

Grade 9 students test their skills while making bookcases in College of the Rockies’ carpentry shop.

College of the Rockies hosted 48 Grade 9 students from Elkford, Fernie, Jaffray and Cranbrook for a full day of trades-related activities on Wednesday, April 24 as part of the YES 2 IT (Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training) program.

Students had the opportunity to practice their wood- and metal-working skills in the carpentry shop while building bookshelves and then identified parts and checked fluid levels in cars in the mechanics shop.

College of the Rockies welding, carpentry and mechanics instructors, along with their Grade 12 ACE IT students and apprentices, provided instruction and mentoring for the students.

Competitions were held in hand nailing, sawing and operation of a Robertson screwdriver. Prizes for these skills competitions were provided by Teck Coal Ltd. and Resource Training Organization. WorksafeBC representative Jeff McKay was on-hand to ensure everyone remained safe.

College of the Rockies’ regional transition co-ordinator Brian Conrad said, “This was an excellent event that was useful in exposing students to and exciting them about the skilled trades prior to their entry into senior secondary. It was also an opportunity to showcase what trades opportunities are available to them at the College of the Rockies.”

Visit College of the Rockies to learn more about the trades programs.