Selkirk addressing skilled trades shortages with new options for high school students

By Contributor

High school students from around the region will have the opportunity to get a taste for the wide array of trades pathways available at Selkirk College.

On Dec. 6, Selkirk College is hosting Made for Trades. The event will provide students in Grades 11 and 12 the chance to get hands-on experience and explore career directions in the trades.

“It's a great opportunity to experience our unique learning environment and learn about trades you may know very little about,” says Dan Obradovic, Chair of Selkirk College’s School of Industry & Trades Training.“It’s also a chance to dispel myths you may have about the trades, rub shoulders with our students and get the real goods on what it's like to be a student here.”

A total of 10 trades career paths at Selkirk College will be on display. Students will have an opportunity to get a closer look at two each. Programs of choice will include: Carpentry, Electrical, Millwright/Machinist, Fine Woodworking, General Mechanics, Welding, Plant Operator, Metal Fabricator, Esthetics and Hairdressing. All 10 trades are based at Nelson’s Silver King Campus.

“We’ve heard a lot about the skills shortage in trades that exists in British Columbia and across Canada,” says Obradovic. “At Selkirk College we have the instructors, tools and facilities to help train those looking towards exciting opportunities. We’re very fortunate to have these programs right in our back yard that is contributing to being part of the solution.”

Pre-registration is required and details of each program being explored on Dec. 6 are available at selkirk.ca/madefortrades