SETUP – Science Engineering Technology Ultimate Pathways – was held at Loyalist College on February 24 and 25 with approximately 200 grade seven and eight students participating. SETUP is a joint initiative between Hastings Prince Edward District School Board, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and Loyalist College. Funded by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the activity was coordinated by the School College Work Regional Planning Team. The event addressed the growing need to educate students about science, engineering and technology professions, and skilled trades as viable career paths.
College President Maureen Piercy welcomed Thursday’s group to the event. “It’s wonderful that you have chosen to be here. This is an exciting time. You’re discovering all kinds of interesting career options and finding out what credentials you’ll need to make that job yours. Enjoy your day and ask lots of questions. We’re glad to have this chance to show you some of the great things happening at Loyalist, and to have you meet some of our awesome teachers and staff.”
“Our students are very excited to be here,” said Jessica Kondruk, a teacher at St. Mary Catholic School in Trenton. “For many of them, it is the first time they have ever been on a post-secondary campus. This event gave students an excellent introduction to career options many of them did not know existed.”
“It’s been really interesting to see how things work behind the scenes,” said Meghan Peckhan, a grade seven student from College Street West School in Trenton. “It gave me a better idea of the different roles that you can have in these areas. This morning I went to the Television and New Media Production area and the Esthetician spa. It’s kind of like you are exploring and learning that training in one field can lead to many different jobs. I think it is a real plus for us to have Loyalist College here in our community. It has been a lot of fun being here.”
Daniel Barnett, a grade seven student from Sir MacKenzie Bowell School, was visiting the College for the first time. “I never knew Loyalist had so many programs and I was surprised at the level of equipment that the students are learning on. This afternoon we are going to the Biosciences area. They are going to take us outside to take water samples from a creek that we are going to test.”
SETUP is one of several initiatives designed to heighten student awareness of their post-secondary options. This spring there will be Television Media and Animation camps for students. For more information regarding these and other opportunities call Jeff Macnab, Loyalist College Registrar at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2366.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca or Jeff Macnab at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2366