Girls Exploring the Skilled Trades Workshop: Building Wooden Garden Boxes

Posted On Monday May 01, 2023

Grade 7 and 8 female students from Monsignor J. Pereyma Catholic Secondary School built wooden garden boxes to share with their families. Students had an opportunity to work with the tools in the carpentry shop and learn about career opportunities in the apprenticeship pathway. Students were encouraged to explore the skilled trades in secondary school and discussed tech courses available and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). OYAP is a school-to-work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship trades through the Cooperative Education program. For more information about OYAP visit dcdsb.ca/pathways or speak to your school Guidance department.

Students had the following feedback:

  • "I really loved doing this activity. I love working in the workshop. I love building and making new things. I am really excited for high school to take a woodworking class.
  • "Participating in the 'Girls Exploring the Skilled Trades' workshop reminds me that I am worth it, I am strong."
  • "I think this experience was fun and teaches you a lot about building. It can be inspiring for people who want to go into the trades or do woodworking."

Special thanks to Mrs. Ilasz, Mr. Daminato, and Mrs. Hansen-Ashton for supporting this OYAP funded initiative.