MARATHON
Superior-Greenstone District School Board Students Celebrate Skilled Trades & Tech Through Hands-On Learning and Inspiration

From Kindergarten classrooms to high school auditoriums, students across the Superior-Greenstone District School Board (SGDSB) have been exploring the exciting world of skilled trades and technology through a series of engaging, hands-on initiatives - highlighting SGDSB's continued commitment to meaningful, experiential learning.

On May 12 - May 14, 2025 SGDSB proudly welcomed Jamie McMillan, Journeyman Ironworker, skilled trades advocate, and inspirational speaker, to support the Skilled Trades and Tech Days. Jamie McMillan delivered her powerful message to over 300 students from Marathon High School, Manitouwadge High School, and Nipigon Red Rock District High School.

Jamie's visit, (made possible through the support of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP),) focused on raising awareness of the many rewarding career pathways available through skilled trades. With honesty, energy, and passion, Jamie shared her journey in a traditionally male-dominated field, offering insight into the value of skilled trades, the importance of perseverance, and the power of exploring non-traditional career routes.

Additionally, the Superior-Greenstone District School Board launched the Early Years/OYAP Skilled Trades House-Building Challenge on April 16, 2025. Kindergarten and Grade 1 students across the district put on their hard hats and rolled up their sleeves in an exciting and inspiring hands-on project.

This unique experiential learning initiative is part of SGDSB's commitment to sparking curiosity, promoting joyful learning, and introducing students to the world of skilled trades from an early age. Approximately 11 classes participated in the first phase of the project through a virtual presentation called Builder Street, featuring trades ambassador Jamie McMillan. As an Ironworker, Welder, and Apprentice Boilermaker, Jamie played the role of site Foreman and brought the trades to life by showcasing the tools and professionals involved in building a home.

Following the engaging presentation, students received cardboard, creative building materials, and their own personal protective equipment to design and build play-sized cardboard houses in their classrooms. The initiative encouraged planning, teamwork, creative thinking, and real-world connections to skilled trades careers.

Shawna Grouette, OYAP Recruiter and Cooperative Education Coordinator for SGDSB, shared that "this project has been a joyful example of how inquiry-based, play-centered learning can inspire young minds. Watching our students take on the roles of architects, builders, and planners was powerful. We are excited to see how this early exposure to hands-on experiences opens the door to future pathways."

Jamie McMillan stated that "I'm amazed by the pint-sized architects at the Superior-Greenstone District School Board. Over a month, students sketched floor plans, then cut, folded and braced cardboard walls and roofs to learn design, layout and structural reinforcement. They add painted windows, chimneys and working doorbells to mobile homes, dog houses, drive-throughs and other unique dwellings. As Early Years foreman, I feel lucky to watch our youngest builders master every trade from foundation to finish and dream big".

As part of the culminating House-Building Challenge Celebration, students showcased their creations in a virtual event from May 26-30, where they shared their blueprints, reflected on the teamwork involved, and presented what they've learned.

Early Years Lead Chelsea Adams noted the high level of engagement and learning in the classrooms and that "Students were genuinely excited to plan, build, and reflect on their process. They learned about the trades through play and collaboration and were so proud to share their work with others."

The project also included community walks to observe real houses, visits to local high schools and local hardware stores. Classrooms also had discussions about different career opportunities and invited tradespeople to speak with students, that were all woven into a meaningful, age-appropriate learning experience. This initiative is part of SGDSB's ongoing implementation of its Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Specifically focusing on the pillar of Joy in Learning and Teaching, the Superior-Greenstone District School Board is dedicated to cultivating memorable moments, helping students find joy in learning, and opportunities to discover their unique capabilities, strengths and interests, that may one day lead to fulfilling careers.