Lopes Limited and Coniston Industrial Park Ltd. have leased a new truck and purchased a new trailer for Rainbow District School Board to take trades education on the road. The Think Trades initiative targets students in Grade 8, opening pathways to exciting careers by inspiring students to consider the trades in secondary school and beyond.
When the colourful trailer stops at schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island, students have access to high-quality tools and materials to participate in hands-on projects. During guided lessons, students learn tool safety, woodworking, metal tooling, simple electrical and plumbing tasks, graphic design and 3D printing.
Teacher Norm Leblanc helps student Allison Davies adjust a trigger bar clamp.
"We piloted this concept over the past two school years and it was very well received," said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. "When our partners in the industrial sector generously offered to support the initiative, we knew it would benefit our students and the communities that we serve. We are grateful to Lopes Limited and Coniston Industrial Park Ltd. for providing the truck and trailer as well as tools and materials for our educators to deliver on site training at our elementary schools. It's a dynamic experiential learning opportunity for Grade 8 students."
"Working in the industrial sector, we see first hand the growing demand for skilled trades," said Felix Lopes Jr. "Supporting programs like Think Trades is one way we can invest in the next generation of tradespeople who will shape our communities and industries."
Students have access to safety equipment as well as battery-operated tools and hand tools, including a cordless drill, a cordless impact driver, measuring tapes, speed squares, screwdrivers, hand saws, palm sanders and an aluminum break. The tools are being used to build a multi-trade toolbox made with pine, aluminum, pex pipe and fittings, vinyl decals, and plastic feet (which have been 3D printed). Students also engage in plumbing, electrical and measuring activities with different types of tools.
Adam Lachapelle, Vice-President of Coniston Industrial Park Ltd. helps student Ryan Mulenga of Alexander Public School cut a piece of wood using a hand saw.
"Trades education opens doors to meaningful careers, and we're proud to help bring that opportunity directly to students," said Ryan Forigo, Construction Manager for Coniston Industrial Park Ltd. "The Think Trades trailer is more than a mobile classroom - it's a launchpad for future builders, makers, and innovators."
"We thank Lopes Limited and Coniston Industrial Park Ltd. for partnering with us to introduce the trades to more students in more schools before they transition to Grade 9," said Rainbow District School Board Chair, David Farrow. "Skilled trades are essential to a vibrant economy locally and globally. The skilled trades also offer rewarding career options."
Director Bourget thanked Lopes Limited and Coniston Industrial Park Ltd. for their generous contribution and ongoing support. "The trailer aligns with the Ministry of Education's focus to build capacity for careers in the trades," he said. "This is another example of the great things that can happen when we work together to support student success."
