Grade 7 and 8 students from across the region recently got a hands-on taste of potential careers at the seventh annual Epic Jobs event, held at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford. With over 40 businesses, trade unions, and post-secondary institutions participating, the event aimed to showcase opportunities in skilled trades and other in-demand jobs.
Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, emphasized the importance of early exposure: "To have exposure to so many different career paths at an early age is so important and I think so exciting for them as well." She noted that many students are transitioning from elementary to high school, making it a critical time to explore pathways like OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) or SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major).
Students engaged in interactive activities such as operating a mini-excavator, wiring, soldering copper pipes, handling power tools, and using a welding simulator. The west parking lot was filled with heavy equipment including forestry equipment, backhoes, hydro trucks, fire trucks, transport trucks, cement trucks, and cranes.
Twelve-year-old Reid Schat from Brantford Christian School called operating the mini-excavator "pretty cool." Trevor Dawdy, a teacher at Delhi Public School, praised the event: "I think it's a great opportunity for all these Grade 7 and 8 students who might not have the outlets to check this stuff out. Events like this are crucial for students who are maybe interested or want to inquire about different types of trades and jobs."
Eleta Wills, 13, a Grade 8 student with aspirations to become a pediatric nurse, shared her enthusiasm: "I think it's amazing for kids our age to get out and experience other people's jobs. It shows how much people love their jobs."
The event featured exhibitors from sectors offering apprenticeship pathways including advanced manufacturing, construction, motive power, and service. Dalton praised the exhibitors for their dedication, noting many hauled heavy equipment and set up the night before to accommodate 2,500 students.
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