TIMMINS, ON: Northern College is pleased to host the 2024 Skills Ontario Technology and Trades Summer Camp, a unique opportunity for intermediate aged students to gain exposure to technology and trades related professions before they head to high school. Thanks to the generosity of the Newmont Corporation and Interfor, students are able to attend the event free of charge.

This annual event is specifically designed to provide grade seven and eight students a first-hand look at what a variety of skilled trades and technology professions have to offer and thanks to institutions like Northern, they can do so with access to the latest in technology and highly skilled professors.

“This is an incredibly important program for students and institutions like Northern College,” stated Jamie Johnston, Dean of Trades, Technology and Apprenticeship at Northern. “It allows future secondary students to make informed decisions about possible post-secondary career paths, based on a unique hands-on experience.”

The Skills Ontario Summer Camp reports that 82 per cent of participants said that they would likely explore a career in skilled trades and technology, with 96 per cent of participant parents reporting that they would have further discussions with their children about career paths in the field.

“At Northern, it is our mission to foster access to education for all,” stated Jaret Dicks, Director of Marketing, Communications & External Relations. “Programs like this allow us to provide that access to potential future students, introduce them to our programming and facilities and develop an impression that we hope lasts as these students begin to make application decisions in the next four or five years.”

With one in six new jobs forecasted by 2026 in the province reported to be within the fields of skilled trades and technology by the Government of Ontario, introducing the upcoming generation of professionals to this viable career path can do more than simply providing a bright future for participants.

“The socio-economic health and growth of our region and its residents is incredibly important to us,” stated Northern College President & CEO Mitch Dumas. “While improving enrolment and connecting with young students is a core mission of ours at Northern, we also recognize the role institutions like ours play in attracting and retaining the kinds of students who become the skilled professionals that drive change in our region.”

“This partnership with Skills Ontario is just one of the ways we work to maintain a steady and productive pipeline for new talent, helping to shape the future of the region we call home,” added Dumas. “Choosing Northern means a rich, hands-on learning experience, with affordable living and high paying jobs waiting.”

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Northern College hosted 18 grade seven and eight students as they participated in the Skills Ontario Skilled Technology and Trades Summer Camp. Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in different trades and technology disciplines, connect with Northern College professors and familiarize themselves with Northern’s robust facilities. Nico Brunet tries his hand at welding during the Skills Ontario Skilled Trades Summer Camp.

About Northern College of Applied Arts & Technology
Northern College, established in 1967, serves the educational needs of post-secondary, apprenticeship, and contract training, both on-site and through remote learning, as well as delivering academic upgrading and employment services. Its catchment area covers 160,000 square kilometres, which is roughly the size of France, and includes over 65 communities – 18 of which are First Nations. The College has four main campuses located in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, Moosonee and Timmins, as well as numerous Access Centres, including along the James Bay coast. Northern College, known as Canada’s Kindest College, is recognized for its warm, welcoming and culturally inclusive environment. It has received the top ranking in the province of Ontario in graduate satisfaction out of all English-speaking colleges (2022). A highly respected community and regional partner with close to 50,000 graduates, including the Haileybury School of Mines (est. 1912), the College plays a critical role in the region’s economic development as well as strong global mining influence.

Media Contact:
Kyle Gennings (he/him)
Communications & Government Relations Officer
Northern College
705-235-3211 ext. 2276
genningsk@northern.on.ca