Page 45 - Pathways eMag AMDSB Fall 2019 Dec11

STUDENT VOICE
CONSTRUCTION - Curtis McCabe
Curtis, a Grade 12 student at GDCI, has always wanted
to be an electrician, but now being a boiler maker is in
the back of his mind after talking to his neighbour who
was telling him about the opportunities at Bruce Nuclear.
Curtis is leaning towards earning a trade, getting his ticket and
maybe, considering Policing. Curtis’ pathway experiences have had him:
• Completing summer co-op at ELG Electric where he learned “tons of information”
• Next semester he is hoping to get a placement in construction.
• Completing SHSM certifications including his Working at Heights, which was needed for his co-op placement
Curtis said, “SHSM can help you learn what you want to do in life and gives you awareness of what jobs are out there.” He advises students to take this opportunity and sign up for SHSM as soon as they can.
ENVIRONMENTAL TO CONSTRUCTION - Ethan Hewitt
Ethan changed his SHSM path from Environment to Construction. Ethan was contemplating going to school for an Electrical Engineer, but has since changed his mind and is wanting to be an Electrician. He wants to get working and doesn’t want to carry a lot of debt. Ethan’s pathway experiences to date have him:
• Participating in SHSM
• Completing free training that benefited him, such as the GPS training at the Upper Thames River Conservation Area, and the Chainsaw and
Fire Extinguisher certifications
• Earning his required Working at Heights certification
• Participating in co-op and learning about workplace safety
Ethan respects the policies regarding PPE (personal protective equipment) and the importance of workplace safety. He credits Mr. Crawford for exposing his students to real world experiences and giving great guidance. He said he has been instrumental in helping students get apprenticeships. “Mr. Crawford is good for promoting the trades and the construction program!” Ethan and Mr. Crawford were impressed with community support from Huronia Welding, who donated a class set of welding coats. Ethan doesn’t understand why everyone isn’t in SHSM. “When you are working wouldn’t you want to have these certifications?”
AMDSB Pathways e-magazine | Fall 2019 Issue
45