Expanding upon the extremely successful pilot project, nine new students were welcomed into the Building a Strong Foundation program last month.
A partnership between the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board and UBC Local 18, co-op students are provided with an exciting pathway into skilled trades, specifically in carpentry. Guided by dedicated teachers and experienced union professionals at UBC Local 18, students learn foundational skills and apply them in real-world settings.
Bringing greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson Patick Daly expressed deep gratitude to all those who worked so hard to make this valuable learning opportunity possible. He acknowledged the outstanding service of the Catholic secondary school Co-Op Teachers and the inspiring vision and work of Lisa Owens. He indicated the Board is extremely pleased to be partnering with UBC Local 18 and singled out Training Coordinator, Louise Stallings, for her invaluable support.
In a special way, Chairperson Daly praised each of the student participants with Building a Strong Foundation. He commended the students for exploring the trades/carpentry pathway. He noted that he admires people willing to take risks and applauded the students for doing just that in discerning where God is calling them to be.
Throughout the eight-week program, students progress from workplace safety training to hands-on carpentry skills, covering key areas such as blueprint reading, material estimation, building codes, and formwork systems.
By providing real-world experience, Building a Strong Foundation helps bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.
“The focus is also that the students are to be stewards of the earth,” said Co-op Teacher Lisa Owens, who noted that the culminating activity will see students build planter boxes for the De Mazenod Farm. This farm will use the planters to grow fresh produce, which will benefit programs St. Patrick’s De Mazenod Door kitchen, feeding those in need in Hamilton.
By merging Catholic education with Christian service, the initiative equips students with trade skills and emphasizes giving back.
“The students have used their own work, and hands to build these projects that in turn have allowed them to see if carpentry is in the future for them.”
“It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.”
