Co-op students building links into the work world
By Katrina Anderson Cooperative Education at Nantyr Shores Secondary School
As you drive down Innisfil Beach Road you can't help but notice the bustling skilled trade workers establishing quality homes in our community.

Submitted photo Co-operative education students Justin McKinnon, left, and Scott Sanderson work on the job at the Pratt Hansen Development in Innisfil.

Welcoming these developments, the cooperative education department at Nantyr Shores Secondary School has taken the opportunity to develop experiential learning placements for students interested in skilled trades. The idea of having students working across from the school was made a reality when Hellier Hansen, owner of the Pratt Hansen Group, and project manager Brandon White agreed to involve students in their busy development.

Hansen and White are very excited to see our youth engaging in community development, while earning credits and gaining relevant job experience.

Skilled trades are in demand and this is a great way to get students involved and test drive a career. Having local skilled workers develop our community demonstrates their pride and respect for the area in which they live, work and play. Through this relationship everyone wins; the students, the industry and the community.

When Pratt welcomed cooperative education students to learn in their environment, they needed a contractor who would be able to take these green teenagers and guide them to become independent workers.

A local sub-contractor for Pratt agreed to work with Grade 11 students Scott Sanderson and Justin McKinnon, to develop their skills in the framing industry. Sanderson and McKinnon have been spending their days on the job site, where they are measuring, cutting, framing and assisting with layouts. These young workers are taking a keen interest in the skilled trades and are using this as a foundation in building their future career.

Skilled trades make up a large portion of the workforce and, according to Hansen, with the aging population there will be a deficit of workers in a number of these trades. Students and parents need to be aware of the benefits of a career in the skilled trades in the near future.

Having a strong cooperative education program and dedicated employers, like Pratt, allows students to flourish in sector specific environments. Our employers are also teachers in their occupations, which allow students to improve their self-esteem and knowledge leading to success in the future. Pratt is significantly shaping the development of our community now and will be over the next several years.

They value their role as a community partner and have demonstrated this community mindset since initiating their plans in Alcona. It is with great appreciation that Pratt works with our students, teaching and guiding them, and developing their workplace skills to ensure that our community will benefit in the future.

Our students are making a difference in the community, alongside our appreciated local employers and we feel that they both need to be highlighted. Our intention is to continue to focus on a different employer and student on a regular basis. If you are an employer interested in participating in the cooperative education program, please contact the Cooperative Education Department at Nantyr Shores Secondary School at 431-5950.