High-tech training for Sudbury tech teachers

High-tech training for Sudbury teachers Shop teachers from the region got some training on some high-tech equipment thanks to the Ontario Council of Technology Education.

Tech teachers from Sudbury, North Bay and Sault Ste Marie are getting specialized training to support the Career-Ready program funded by the Ontario government.

As part of the program, the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association distributed new high-tech machine equipment and tooling to secondary school shops.

“It’s allowing us to upgrade our shops across Ontario to today’s standard rather than equipment that was used many years ago in these classrooms,” said David Lewis, program manager for the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association.

“Students that come through these programs are going to be able to go out into industry and have the latest and greatest in their shops in high school so they can perform and be successful in today’s industry.”

Once the training is completed, students will have the opportunity to learn on the Computer Numerical Control Machine, which makes parts.

“This has been fantastic for our students because it’s giving them industry-level equipment to authentically train on,” said Jody Jakubo, coordinator with the Rainbow District School Board.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for students in all of their post-secondary destinations in the manufacturing sector including university college apprenticeship.”

Chris Dinnes, technological education teacher at Lively District Secondary School, is excited to have modern, high-tech equipment in his shop class.

“I think it makes a big addition bringing us into a more modern manufacturing type facility,” Dinnes said.

“Kids get to see that combining their comfortableness with computers and bringing that technology into a machine and being able to create parts I think is pretty exciting for them.”

Officials with the Rainbow District School Board said the Career-Ready program gives students and teachers access to modern equipment to learn skills that are in high demand.