January 27, 2005

High school students from Peel District School Board acquired valuable construction skills as part of a co-op venture with the Local 183 Life Long Learning Centre in Vaughan and Lakeview Homes.

Credits earned for diploma while exploring construction career

High school students get hands-on experience

By Grant Cameron

staff writer

A number of high school students are earning credits towards their diplomas while exploring a career in the construction trades.

Twelve high school students from Peel District School Board recently completed a co-operative accreditation course in the construction trades.

The venture was launched in September by the school board, the Local 183 Life Long Learning Centre in Vaughan, Ont., and Lakeview Homes.

Students for the program were carefully screened and selected for the opportunity to work alongside construction craftsmen.

The students trained at the Life Long Learning Centre, learned core skills, and took industry-required health and safety courses.

The students were then placed at Lakeview’s Brampton site to ensure they received hands-on experience working with carpenters, plumbers, tile setters and brick and stone masons.

Further in-class sessions provided students an opportunity to explore and discuss career opportunities in the trades.

Tony Dionisio, co-chair of the Life Long Learning Centre, said he is delighted with the results of the program.

“It demonstrates what we can accomplish when key stakeholders come together. Everyone benefits, our industry, our community and most importantly, our youth.”

Anthony Montemarano, of Lakeview Homes, said that presenting such opportunities to youth is critical to ensuring the sustainability of a skilled workforce.

“We recognize that, as do our subcontractors who welcomed this initiative.”

Judith Nyman, associate director of education for the school board, said the partnership with Local 183 has developed significantly since a pilot program in 1998.

“To date, hundreds of students from the Peel District School Board have benefited from this initiative,” she said.

Michael Lotito, administrator of the Life Long Learning Centre, said plans are already underway to expand the initiative to include students from Simcoe County and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

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