St. Lawrence College’s (SLC) Mobile Training Labs will continue its hands-on teaching at 11 schools within the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) starting this April. Students will have the opportunity to earn competency-based credentials with this unique experiential learning opportunity.
“This tour will showcase the true mobility of the labs by visiting all 10 districts within the UCDSB over an 11-week period,” said Jamie Puddicombe, Manager, Skills, Training and Economic Development at SLC. “We have a new series of micro-credentials which will focus on career exploration in Welding, Carpentry, Electrical, Culinary, Nutrition, and Fitness.”
The secondary school students will have a full week of workshops in the different areas, which include in-person instruction, student-led practical work, and a variety of technology driven learning opportunities, with an emphasis on virtual reality learning.
SLC’s two Mobile Training Labs will be used in this program, one trailer focuses on the trades, with carpentry, welding, and electrical training. It is equipped with hand and power tools, and training aids such as welding simulation, and virtual reality.
The second trailer focuses on wellness, which includes teaching about independent living, cooking, meal planning, fitness, and nutrition. The trailer comes fully equipped with a mobile teaching kitchen and training equipment to teach fitness programs. Students will also experience meal preparation through a virtual reality experience.
“I’m proud that we have invested in this opportunity for students,” says UCDSB Chair John McAllister. “Trades people are in high demand, and these are career paths that those who are interested in working with their hands should seriously consider. The fact that students can earn a college-level micro-credential certificate through this opportunity is an excellent way to start out.”
"We’re thrilled that these mobile labs are continuing their tour to our community high schools," said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO. "This type of innovation, experiential learning, and hands-on training is exactly what we’re known for and excel at, and I know it will spark interest for many students to continue their education at SLC.”
The labs will be at the following schools:
- Carleton Place High Schoo: April 4-8
- Perth and District Collegiate Institute: April 11-14
- Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute: April 19-22
- Gananoque Secondary School: April 25-29
- Thousand Islands Secondary School: May 2-May 6
- South Grenville District High School: May 9-May 13
- Seaway District High School: May 16-May 20
- St. Lawrence Secondary School: May 24-May 27
- Tagwi Secondary School: May 30-June 3
- Rockland District High School: June 6-10
- Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational Institute: June 13-17
For more information on SLC’s Mobile Training Labs contact:
Jamie Puddicombe
Manager, Skills, Training, and Economic Development
jpuddicombe@sl.on.ca
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