Young people interested in trades are getting real-life experience during a special summer camp in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency’s Skilled Trades Camp is a free, week-long camp for youth hosted by Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC). “Some of the activities that they get to do at our skilled trades summer camp is our carpentry wooden toolbox. They also get to build a copper pipe stand which they solder,” explained Rebecca Dort, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council youth outreach lead. “They get to do our construction build kits, along with whirly gigs and a brick photo frame that they all get to take home.” Trent Soholt, executive director of Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, says it’s important for youth to know what opportunities exist. “We have 40 kids in here, ages 12 to 15. We’re getting a chance to meet with industry professionals and try out construction trades and are on hands on basis,” he said. Funded by the Government of Nova Scotia, in partnership with Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, these camps give youth the opportunity to learn about careers that shape communities. “I think this camp is really helpful,” said Aarav Rajbaral, a 13-year-old camper. “And it gives you life skills that can help you throughout your life.” “It’s actually a really good experience,” said Anuja Maringanthi, a 12-year-old camper attending for the first time. “I wanted to try something new and so my parents signed me up for this, and I thought it was a really great opportunity to get hands-on experiments.” There have been two camps over the summer – one in July, the other this week – with 120 students experiencing an immersive introduction to the skilled construction trades. “This is one of many programs, many summer camps being funded by the apprenticeship agency that have happened all the way across the province,” said Soholt. “This has really given them the insight into ‘Wow, I didn’t realize all these occupations exist’ and just in construction alone, we have over 39 designated trades.” Students get to engage in interactive, hands-on activities that provide insight into what it’s like to work with real tools, material, and processes. They discover various construction occupations, participate in safety training, and take part in team-building challenges. “With youth, it really goes a long way when they can do something hands on,” said Dort. “They feel involved and they feel like they get to leave a little piece of them behind with every project that they build.” “When the participants are here, they have a chance at games that have fun team building exercises,” added Soholt. “If they can build that team dynamic very, very quickly, it’s just like being on a regular job site. Kids come together, they learn each other’s names, they learn each other’s backgrounds. Then they really excel at doing sort of fun activities, and it becomes a very much of a cultural experience as well, to understand the construction industry as a whole.” The camp also has AR/VR simulators, scavenger hunts, and construction-themed games, all designed to bring skilled trades to life in a way the youth can understand an appreciate. “I think you should try this camp because it’s really helpful,” added Aarav Rajbaral. “And if you are interested in trade, it can help you out.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
