The goal is simple.
Get tools in the hands of students at an early age so that they are thinking of trades as an option for the future.
With a shortage of skilled workers in Canada becoming a growing problem, School District 22 and teachers are working together on a solution.
Getting students interested in working with their hands is just one of the steps they are taking.
A Grade 6/7 class from Ellison Elementary School spent two days at Clarence Fulton Secondary working with the Grade 9 to 12 wood shop students, three shop teachers and former School District 22 superintendent Bob Peacock making wooden candy dispensers.
“I think it is pretty fun putting all the pieces together,” said Grade 6 student Morgan Knauf.
The image of that many students working with power tools may seem chaotic, but due to the number of helping hands, each elementary school student was set on their task.
Receiving guidance from the high school students and thorough instructions from shop teachers Eli Silver, Steve Simon and Tim Thorpe proved to be the key to the successful workshop.
By the end of the second day each student had made their own dispenser.
“You get to take home what you make,” said Grade 6 student Dara-Lyne Lapoint.
Tolko donated lumber for the project and Rona donated gift cards to help purchase tools.
