Imagine a group of high school students, hammers in hand, building something that will make a lasting impact on their community something that will help families who serve our country. That's precisely what happened when OCSB's carpentry students, in partnership with the Local 93 Carpenters Union and Sullivan Construction, constructed four sheds for the new Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa. This hands-on project not only gave students real-world experience but also provided essential support for military families right here in Ottawa.
A Shed Project That Makes a Difference
In a remarkable collaboration with the Local 93 Carpenters Union and Sullivan Construction, OCSB carpentry students constructed four large sheds for the new Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa. These sheds aren't just any ordinary structures they will play a vital role in supporting military families. It's a perfect example of how students can apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-world projects that make a lasting impact.
Skills in Action
The carpentry program at ESTA provides our students with a unique opportunity to develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success in the trades. Over two years, students learn everything from the fundamentals of building and repairing wooden structures to advanced construction techniques. Through programs like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), our students are not just preparing for a career they're getting hands-on experience, earning certifications, and gaining valuable hours toward their apprenticeships before they even graduate high school.
Supporting Military Families
The sheds built by our students will be essential for the new MFRC facility at CFB Petawawa. This facility will bring together various family and health services, such as counselling and childcare, in a single, accessible location for military families. The new facility will be completed in Fall 2026, and the sheds will serve as crucial storage for the centre's operations in the meantime. It's incredible to see how our students' work is directly benefiting those who serve our country.
A Valuable Community Collaboration
This project is a perfect example of how skilled trades programs do more than just teach students how to build they also teach them how to build a better community. It's a win-win: our students gain real-world experience and contribute to something meaningful, while local communities, like the military families at CFB Petawawa, can access resources that will help them thrive.
Preparing Students for the Future
The skilled trades are more than just a career choice they're a pathway to success. With growing demand for tradespeople, students in the ESTA program are gaining a head start in their chosen profession. By working on real construction projects like the CFB Petawawa sheds, our students develop the confidence and expertise needed to take on larger projects in the future. We're excited to see where their skills will take them!
Gratitude for Our Partners
A huge thank you to Local 93 Carpenters Union and Sullivan Construction for supporting this project and helping our students apply their learning in such a meaningful way. Together, we're not only shaping the future of skilled tradespeople we're also helping to build stronger communities.
