At a blessing and graduating ceremony held at the Carpenters Union Local 18 training facility, nine students from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board stood proudly beside the wooden planters they built, knowing the fruits of their labour would soon be used to grow food for the marginalized in Hamilton.
These students were part of a new pilot program, Building a Strong Foundation, launched under the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) in 2024. The initiative offers co-op students hands-on experience in carpentry, guided by professionals from Local 18.
Throughout the eight-week program, students progressed from workplace safety training to hands-on carpentry skills, covering key areas such as blueprint reading, material estimation, building codes, and formwork systems.
The planters were recently placed on St. Patrick De Mazenod’s farm supplying produce to the parish’s outreach, a ministry that serves meals to those in need, 365 days a year.
For students like Nick DeBellis, the program is more than just an introduction to the trades, but a way to explore career pathways with real-world impact.
“I want to do carpentry in the future,” he said. “I like working with my hands.”
Bringing words of greetings and congratulations on behalf of the HWCDSB, Chairperson of the Board Patrick Daly commended the graduating students for having the courage to “engage in a program that is leading you to where God is calling you to be.”
“The name of the program, Building a Strong Foundation, isn't just about construction,” he said. “But as well flows from our mission to enable all students to realize their fullness of humanity of which Jesus Christ is the model.”
Since its inception, the pilot project has engaged over 20 students, with plans on expanding.
Lisa Owens, Cooperative Education Teacher spoke to the significance of the initiative.
“This partnership has been bonded with not only sawdust, but also a true belief in the youth of tomorrow.”
“They followed in the footsteps of Jesus by being stewards of the earth while building planters for the De Mazenod Door.”
Father Tony O’Dell, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, praised the students for using their talents in service to others, emphasizing the lasting impact of their work.
With the success of the pilot program, hopes are high that Building a Strong Foundation will continue to open doors—not only to careers in skilled trades, but also to lives of purpose and service.
As the growing season begins, the planters stand as a testament to what young hands, guided by hope and intention, can build for a community in need.
To watch a highlight reel of the program please visit Instagram or Facebook.
