Indigenous students get certified in skilled trades program

May 17, 2023

Guelph, ON – On May 16, Indigenous students from across the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) went for their practical training on the mini excavator and skid steer machine.

At the end of the practical training, each student got a chance to get their certification for the two machines. The training and certification process is a part of the Indigenous Youth Skilled Trades Training Program.

Over the course of five weeks, students go over a variety of theoretical and practical learning that can be applied to the workforce of a trades career. The program covers: worker and confined space awareness, WHMIS, working at heights, scissor and genie lift course, as well as mini excavator and skid theory and practical. The training was done at Probuy Safety Solutions – a sales and training center.

UGDSB Curriculum Leader, Charles Benyair has been heading the program for years and says the program is targeted for grade eleven and twelve students so they have the most up to date information and valid certification for when they enter the workforce.

Many of the students present had plans to go on to post secondary education in areas like welding, construction and auto services.