News & Updates
Northern College Hosts Skills Ontario Technology and Trades Summer Camp
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.”