The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board will showcase career opportunities in the trades with a two-day interactive event in Stratford next week.
The Skilled Trades Pathways Experience takes place April 15 and 16 at the Stratford Rotary Complex, with activities running from 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. each day.
The board wants to give Grade 7, 8, and 10 students from across Huron and Perth counties a closer look at the many career options available in skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.
Throughout the event, participants will get involved in hands-on demonstrations and short activities led by industry professionals from fields such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
Students will move between a series of interactive stations, where they’ll meet tradespeople and apprentices while learning what skills are needed to succeed in these careers. The experience is also intended to help them make connections between their future high school courses and potential career paths.
A special evening event will also highlight opportunities for young women interested in the trades. The Women in Skilled Trades session is scheduled for April 15 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., allowing female students and their families to explore career possibilities through demonstrations and conversations with women working in the industry.
The event supports the Board’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on increasing opportunities for experiential learning, strengthening career exploration, and keeping students engaged in planning their futures.
Organizers said initiatives like this give students the chance to identify their interests, build practical abilities, and learn about in-demand careers that play an important role in the region’s economy.
The board also acknowledges the support of community partners, organizations, and local trades professionals, noting that their guidance and real-world insight are key to helping students bridge the gap between school and the workforce.
