Summer students from Sandy Lake First Nation applied their newly developed construction skills on a house build following their training from Sault College.
The students were recent graduates of the college’s Building Maintenance and Construction Certificate program, which taught them skills in laying a foundation, framing, doors, windows, siding and roofing, in addition to first aid/CPR-Level C, WHMIS and Working at Heights safety training.
The program has been running consecutively for three years as a collaborative partnership between Sault College, the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board-Ontario Works Office, the Bushplane Heritage Museum, and Habitat for Humanity.
The success of this program was shared with the Sandy Lake Ontario Works Office, which laid the foundation for offering the program in Sandy Lake this past summer, according to the college. The program was customized to fit the needs of the Sandy Lake Ontario Works office while still ensuring all the learning objectives and outcomes of the program were met.
“A unique program such as this is designed with specific training needs in mind. Sandy Lake Ontario Works had a particular vision and Sault College was eager and able to help achieve this goal,” said Lori Crosson, program manager for continuing education at Sault College, in a news release.
“The hands-on experience gained through this program provided students with the skills, abilities and confidence to successfully compete for entry-level positions in the building maintenance and/or construction industries. We’re extremely proud of their accomplishments and we wish them all the best as they move forward in their careers.”
The program was offered in Sandy Lake First Nation from June 5 through to Aug. 31 and was led by a red seal journeyman carpenter with 30 years’ experience in the field.
