Ontario student works on a pipe threading machine with a representative from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices. (Janis Reese/Kaleidoscope Photography)Ontario student works on a pipe threading machine with a representative from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices. (Janis Reese/Kaleidoscope Photography)
Sarnia

Future Building Showcase Held In London

Young adults near and far will travel to the Future Building 2016 showcase in London.

The fair changes venues every year and this time stops at the Western Fair District Agriplex building in the Forest City.

The exhibition is the largest in the province. The fair is a three day hands-on construction exhibition for students and young adults to learn more about the skills trade market.

Student will have a chance to engage with an apprenticeship and future employers. The fair is organzied by Ontario Construction Secretariat .

CEO of the OCS Sean Strickland says this show is very different compared to others.

"Often you go to trade shows and you tour booths and you get brochures and so on. Here, you'll actually have an opportunity to operate a simulated crane, lay some bricks, weld some pipes, hammer some nails. It's experimental and very hands-on," he says.

Strickland says the skills trade market is in high demand.

"Over the next ten years in Ontario, we need about 15,000 new workers just to replace those that are retiring plus an additional 6,000 workers to meet the demands for increased work opportunities ."

The fair runs from April 19-21 this year and students from 19 school boards will be present, including students from the Lambton Kent School Board.

-Written by Eric Taschner

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