Saugeen Sparks Training Centre for skilled trades

By Sandy Lindsay. Article & picture courtesy of the Saugeen Times

There has been increasing talk about the shortage of skilled trades workers in Ontario but a new initiative in Saugeen Shores is sparking interest in picking up Tools in the Trades on a new career path for many.

While students at G.C. Huston Public School in Southampton were off for a PA day on Friday, September 22nd, the school itself was a hive of activity as the Tools in the Trades rolled in with a Boot Camp.

The Boot Camp was both a classroom and hands-on learning experience for those interested in choosing a career path in the trades.

According to sources, this was the largest ‘Boot Camp’ held outside of Toronto. The normal number for the event has been 30 participants but, the Saugeen Shores Boot Camp had to extend its capacity as more than 70 registrants were accepted with more on a waiting list.

Among the registrants, some 20 were women who are considering the trades as an occupation.

The day began with the First Nation Niin epiitendaagzid youth drummers who were joined by former G. C. Huston Principal Dan Russell and current Principal Hugh Morrison.

Morrison welcomed everyone and said that he hoped everyone who attended would leave knowing that they had found their career path and that they would find something that they care about and that gives a sense of identity.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that when he went to high school no one talked about skilled trades as an option.  “Maybe we would not have the deficit in the trades today if we did, but I am so happy that we are turning the corner.  Between Sparks and unions, we are now sending the message that you can have a great life through the trades.  In fact, there is no greater calling than to build something or do something concrete with your hands and seeing a tangible result.  This initiative to get young people into the skilled trades is exciting and I cannot wait to see what Sparks does in the community in the future.”

Saugeen First Nation’s Chief Conrad Ritchie, who is an alumnus student of G. C. Huston school, also said that, “We all live here and we have to learn to live with each other and show our young people by example.”

Pat O’Connor, Constituency Manage for Huron Bruce, brought greetings from MP Ben Lobb, congratulating the government of Saugeen First Nation and the volunteers. “The trades are very important to our economy and social fabric. I echo the Mayor when he said that for many in earlier school times, the trades were not an option.”

Also, in a letter from Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, she said that everyone knows skilled trades are in demand today.  “When you learn a trade you have a job that lasts for life and this path leads to success.”

The last speaker, James Scongack, Executive Vice President, Operational Services & Chief Development Officer at Bruce Power, brought the best news of the day when he gave a surprise announcement that Bruce Power is donating $100,000 as ‘seed’ money to get the Sparks Training Centre up and running.

“Bruce Power is serious about this initiative,” added Scongack.  “We couldn’t do what we do at Bruce Power without skilled trades.  I am really excited about this.  Rob Stanley and the team have done such a great job.”

“One of the most important things to consider,” said Scongack, “is that you have to make a decision as to what you want to do with your life.  There are three main things, I think, to consider – look for a job and is it going to be secure; are you going to be paid well when you put in a hard day’s work to be sure your family is cared for and you have good benefits; do you get up each morning wanting to go to work.  These things are the most important factors when you go to work.”

The new Sparks centre will be housed initially in the current EMS building on Green Street in Port Elgin, once the new EMS regional centre is completed and opens.

Town Councillor and former SDSS high-school trades teacher, Bud Halpin, also said that two of his former students who had gone on to achieve university degrees in IT are now exploring entering the trades.  “We are looking at partnerships, and one is working with Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) through the school board to utilize their trades classrooms. There is only one taxpayer so we might as well get the full use of our dollars by using the high school amenities that are already there.”

A pilot eight-week evening program begins this fall at Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS). The one night a week, three-hour program from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. will include two classes.  One will offer introductory Welding/Manufacturing and the other will focus on Electrical, Plumbing and Drywall.

Rob Stanley, co-founder of the program, said that in partnership with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, participants in Sparks will be able to actually get hands-on experience in their field. “The government is looking at our becoming a regional trades hub and we are already working with Kincardine to establish a Sparks Centre there as well.”

The volunteer Board of the Sparks Training Centre includes a recently retired Bluewater District School Board Technical Education shop teacher who is currently a Saugeen Shores Municipal Councillor (Bud Halpin), a past Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation education counsellor, the current principal of GC Huston Public School – Southampton (Hugh Morrison), a Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation councillor, two dual trade Red Seal endorsed Journeypersons who have a total of seventy years experience working in the building trades in senior leadership and union roles, two retired executives of a Bruce Power labour union – one is currently a Saugeen Shores Municipal Councillor (Dave Myette), a psychotherapist employed by the Canadian Mental Health Association of Grey-Bruce, a retired former member of Bruce Power’s Leadership team and a recording secretary.

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