Loyalist College Hosts Two Skills Days for Grade Eight Students from Quinte Mohawk School
Today and Wednesday, Loyalist College will be hosting Skills Days for grade eight students from Quinte Mohawk School (QMS). In partnership with QMS teachers, the Skills Days provide students with an opportunity to see what College programs are available, and to build their confidence and comfort on campus.
The group of approximately 45 children will spend two days at the College, gaining hands-on experience in a number of trades, including construction, biology and esthetics. They will have a chance to create their own mini race car in the morning and work in the automotive shop in the afternoon. In addition, they will participate in a traditional medicine workshop and view a video on water issues. They will receive a tour of the College campus and have time to focus on areas that are of interest to them. There will be an overview of Health and Fitness, as well as Radio and TV programs.
The students will have a chance to explore the Aboriginal Skills Centre and meet with existing Aboriginal students and mentors. The Skills Days are a wonderful way for the grade eight students from QMS to forge a relationship with the College, a natural next step for them. It also helps them to understand how important it is to complete core courses in high school.
As the labour force continues to shrink in Ontario with an aging population, there is an increasing demand for a new skilled labour force. By 2031, we will need 77% of our workforce to have post-secondary credentials versus 60% of the younger population today, according to Rick Miner’s February 2010 report, ‘People without Jobs: Jobs Without People.’ QMS and Loyalist want to help Aboriginal students to take advantage of the opportunities that await them, by helping to prepare them for the future.
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To schedule an interview with Paul Latchford, the Coordinator of Aboriginal Services, or to confirm media attendance at the event, please contact: Kerry Lorimer, Media Relations Specialist, Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536