New trades training centre for at-risk youth opens

At the crossroads between a life of crime and a promising future of work, there’s a new place to help young people make the right choice.

The Tamarack Trades Training Centre at the William E. Hay Centre officially opened Thursday after a pilot project this summer.

At this centre, 12-17 years old who have been detained will be exposed to the trades, many for the first time.

They’ll be introduced to landscaping, welding and horticulture, among other things.

The Ontario government invested $2.8 million into this project and money was also raised by people like Ottawa Councillor Allan Hubley.

The goal is to help about 300 young people get back on the right track each year.