College of the Rockies hosts trades event for grade 9 Students

Electrical wiring was one of the skills practiced at the YES 2 IT event held at College of the Rockies.

College of the Rockies hosted 48 grade nine students from the region on Wednesday, April 9th for a full day of trades-related activities. The event saw students from Cranbrook, Jaffray, Fernie and Elkford gathered at the Cranbrook main campus 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 building bookshelves before trying their hand at wiring lights and switches in the electrical shop. The day concluded with a competition in nailing spikes into a beam.

Prior to the shop activities, WorksafeBC Safety Officer Jeff McKay gave a vivid presentation on workplace hazards, safe practices, and the rights of young workers.

College of the Rockies welding, carpentry, and electrical instructors, along with grade 12 ACE IT students and apprentices provided instruction and mentoring for the participants.

College of the Rockies’ Regional Transition Coordinator Brian Conrad says, “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.”

To learn more about trades programs at College of the Rockies visit the college website.