A new summer program for 20 high school students within the Greater Essex County was recently completed by Local 494. Empowering Tomorrow’s Workers was a partnership with the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), where students had the chance to gain hands-on experience at Local 494’s Training Centre. The diverse group of students, between 16 to 18 years old, received health and safety training and certifications, and the opportunity for a co-op placement afterwards.
Like another program that Local 494 offers, called the Enhanced Construction Program, Empowering Tomorrow’s Workers is a condensed program but one that still includes a large scope of carpentry training. Students were introduced to different trades and got the opportunity to try concrete forming, framing, steel stud and drywall installation.
Towards the end, the class even applied their knowledge to a real-world scenario, when they were brought to the John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum to help with repairs on part of the property. It was a great moment for the students to test their new-found skills and help an important cause.
Local 494 and the GECDSB are proud of the success of Empowering Tomorrow’s Workers and look forward to seeing the participants continue their careers in the construction industry. Congratulations to all the students that took part!
