Sudbury trades program expands thanks to funding from local businesses

The Rainbow District School Board's ‘Think Trades’ initiative is expanding thanks to funding from two Greater Sudbury companies.

Rainbow District School Board’s Think Trades initiative is expanding thanks to funding from Lopes Ltd. and Coniston Industrial Park Ltd.

The two companies have partnered with the board to lease a truck and purchase a new trailer to take trades education on the road.

“It allows us to thrive in our program …We’ve received donations of a few more tools now, so there are more hands on when we come to a classroom,” said Eric Bacon, curriculum coordinator.

“Students aren’t waiting for tools. They’ve got access to them right away and the Rainbow District School Board is very big geographically … We cover schools from Monetville to Gore Bay, so being able to bring that opportunity to them is very crucial.”

On Thursday, the new equipment was unveiled at Alexander Public School, where Grade 8 students had access to safety equipment, battery-operated tools and hand tools, including a cordless drill, impact driver, measuring tapes, speed squares, screwdrivers, hand saws, palm sanders and an aluminum brake.

Multi-trade toolbox

The tools were used to create a multi-trade toolbox.

“It consists of working with wood, aluminum, some 3D design, 3D printing, some graphic design and a little bit of plumbing thrown in, as well,” Bacon said.

“Just a chance to introduce a lot of trades and possible career opportunities for students.”

The goal is to get more students interested in a career in the trades and help address a skilled labour shortage.

“There’s a struggle right now finding skilled trades workers,” said Danielle Hrechka, marketing specialist for Lopes.

“Every industrial contractor can speak to that, as well. It’s challenging, for sure, but we hope that programs like this and getting involved with students will encourage them to explore opportunities in the trades, whether that’s with Lopes or with another company. We just hope that they can find their passion within the trades.”

The company is in its second year of a 10-year commitment to give $100,000 to elementary and secondary students through trades programs.