An article posted on PelhamToday.ca captured the excitement of The second annual Trades and Tech Fest held at E. L. Crossley on Thursday, November 23. The event drew a huge crowd of teens from regional high schools eager to investigate career and post-secondary options.

In addition to E. L. Crossley, six other District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) secondary schools — Westlane from Niagara Falls, Thorold, Sir Winston from St. Catharines, Port Colborne High, Centennial, and Eastdale from Welland — attended the event, plus students from a local elementary school.

Nick, a Grade 12 student from Thorold High, is involved with the DSBN’s Homebuild Program, in conjunction with Mountainview Homes.

“We’re building a home in Fonthill, and I’m learning carpentry and construction skills as a co-op student,” he said. “Seven guys and one girl are currently involved, overseen by two teachers. I’m learning how to frame a house, using both a hammer and industrial nail gun. I really enjoyed it, and can see construction as a personal career path.”

In addition to local trade and technology companies, a number of community colleges were on hand to promote their programs.

To read the article in full, please visit: It was a Tradespalooza at E. L. Crossley - PelhamToday.ca

About the author: Don Rickers 

A life-long Niagara resident, Don Rickers worked for 35 years in university and private school education, with a focus on enrollment management, international student marketing, and community relations. He segued into journalism in his retirement with the Voice of Pelham, an award-winning weekly newspaper with a print and online presence. Don holds a masters degree in education from Brock University, and is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists.