Starting in September 2025, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is set to revolutionize the way students in Grades 10-12 experience skilled trades with the launch of its cutting-edge Technological Education Hub at the AMSS facility in Sarnia. This dynamic new program will offer specialized, hands-on learning opportunities across a variety of high-demand sectors, including Construction, Health and Wellness, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Horticulture and Landscaping, Hospitality, and Transportation.
For Grades 11 and 12 students, the program will provide Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) course bundles, designed to help students develop specialized skills in one of these fields while earning industry-recognized certifications. Grade 10 students will be introduced to these sectors with foundational courses, offering a taste of the trades and a chance to explore their interests in at least two areas.
Previously, AMSS focused on offering Grade 9-12 programming for students with special education needs. Starting next year, the new Technological Education Hub will expand its accessibility, welcoming students from all backgrounds who are eager to explore and build skills for future careers in the skilled trades. Importantly, students interested in this exciting opportunity will no longer require an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to attend.
What does the ideal student for the LKDSB Technological Education Hub look like?
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Grade 10 students should have a passion for skilled trades and will need to have earned 8 credits by September 2025, including the completion of core Grade 9 courses like math, English, science, geography, and French (or substitutes). They must also be committed to enrolling in SHSM in Grade 11.
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Grade 11 and 12 students will need to meet minimum credit requirements for their grade and have completed all compulsory courses. They will also need to register for SHSM and participate in a minimum two-credit co-op placement.
At the heart of the LKDSB Technological Education Hub will be state-of-the-art facilities designed to offer students real-world, hands-on experience. These include:
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Two greenhouses for horticulture and landscaping
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A construction classroom built for large-scale projects
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An indoor project-based sandbox for construction, horticulture and landscaping practice
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A commercial kitchen for hospitality courses
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A hairstyling classroom for students pursuing careers in aesthetics
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A dedicated academic and clinical space for the Personal Support Worker program.
Beyond the classroom, students will have opportunities for co-op placements and apprenticeships, giving them valuable experience and industry connections. Those interested in the health care sector will even have the chance to earn a Personal Support Worker Certificate, paving the way for immediate employment upon graduation.
Get an Inside Look at the New Hub!
On February 20 (starting at 6 p.m.), LKDSB invites families to tour the new Technological Education Hub at AMSS and discover more about the exciting programming options that await students. This is the perfect chance for prospective students and their families to learn firsthand about the opportunities available in this innovative, hands-on learning environment.
The LKDSB Technological Education Hub at AMSS is setting a new standard for trades-based education, empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and certifications to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of skilled trades.
