The new Saugeen Sparks Training Centre is welcoming a joint $100,000 donation from Bruce Power and its supplier partners.
The centre in Saugeen Shores offers hands-on introductory skilled trades training to spark interest in careers in the skilled trades. The centre's first class of 45 students graduated on December 6, with 24 participating in the welding program and 21 participating in the residential construction program. Traditionally under-represented population groups joined the class, with 42 per cent of students in the first cohort being women.
“Bruce Power and our supplier partners know how important it is to the work we’re doing today to refurbish our nuclear fleet, as well as for the future of Ontario’s nuclear industry, to encourage more people to pursue careers in the skilled trades,” said Karen Smith, Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Bruce Power. “Though a new program, Saugeen Sparks started with an incredibly strong foundation of educators, skilled tradespeople and unions, Indigenous leaders, and nuclear professionals and achieved great success right from its first class. We’re excited to be a part of this program.”
The Executive Director of Saugeen Sparks, Rob Stanley, said the large donation supports the industry’s goals of empowering youth and adults with hands-on training.
“This project is an important initiative to address and help bridge the province’s skilled trades gap,” Stanley said. “We are eternally grateful for this donation, which is further proof that these industry leaders are committed to promoting opportunities for the region’s youth to excel through job placement opportunities and apprenticeships.”
In the spring, Saugeen Sparks will host night classes in introductory residential construction and welding programs at Saugeen District Senior School.
Summer school outreach and a community outreach program are also being planned for mid-summer and early fall, prior to the commencement of the fall night class programming. Next fall, the centre is exploring the delivery of a more advanced welding program aligned to industry and labour union standards.
The organization’s board of directors includes leaders from local Indigenous communities, retired educators and nuclear professionals, and skilled trades professionals.
