🛠️ On April 29 to May 1, 30 Indigenous students from across SD43 stepped into the world of skilled trades as they built, created and gained hands-on experience through the Indigenous Trades Sampler Program.
🪵 Five years ago, the SD43 Career and Trades Program launched the Indigenous Trades Sampler with just 12 students. Today, it has grown into a meaningful hands-on opportunity for students in Grades 9 to 12 to explore pathways in the skilled trades.
🔨 Through the program, students do more than learn about trades. They build, create and gain experience by doing.
🌱 Over the years, their projects have become part of our school communities, from cedar garden boxes at Riverview Park and Aspenwood to wooden benches at Port Moody Secondary School.
🧰 This year, students are creating individual wooden box projects and building two additional benches that will be donated back to more schools.
👨‍🏫 Mr. Purych, Woodworking Teacher at Port Moody Secondary, shared what keeps him inspired in the classroom:
“Seeing their excitement, watching them work through breaks because they enjoy being in the shop, and seeing that look of pride when they finish their project is what keeps me inspired.”
đź’¬ His advice to students is simple and powerful:
“Try as many things as you can. You never know what you’ll like until you try it. Sign up for a variety of electives, follow your passion, and you’re going to last for more than 29 years, just like I did!”
đź‘Ź Thank you to all staff and partners who made this program possible, including Ms. Snow, Port Moody Welding Teacher; Ms. Weir, Metal Work and Auto Tech Teacher; Mr. Purych, Woodworking Teacher; Ms. Rindahl, Career and Trades Teacher; and ACCESS BC for sharing unique training opportunities and resources with our students.
Are you interested in trades?
Join us on Wednesday, June 3rd at Centennial Sec from 5-7pm.
Check out the list of employers/unions/ organizations/post-secondaries that have already signed up to attend (link in bio). More added daily - so check back!
Join us on June 3rd at Centennial Sec.
*explore trades careers
*learn about post-sec trades programs
*meet trades employers
*find job opportunities (including some summer jobs) and apprenticeships
This event is beneficial to graduating students and grade 11s looking for more info on the trades. All SD43 students (& parents) are welcome.
Find an updated list of who's coming by clicking the link in our bio OR go to 43careers.com and click "read more" on the banner at the top of the page.
Register now!
We are looking trades employers, organizations, unions to help the next generation of skilled tradespeople get started.
We've got a great list of companies attending so far, but we'd love to have more.
Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Register now for this unique skilled trades focused career fair!
-connect with graduating students from our 25+ Level 1 TRAIN in Trades programs ready to start their apprenticeships
-hire for summer positions
-help interested learn about the great career pathways in the trades
Email [email protected] for more info
Congratulations to the 12 SD43 students who completed the 8 day Coquitlam Junior Firefighter Academy.
Students gained valuable insight into the career, got tons of hands-on experience and were pushed outside their comfort zone.
More info at 43careers.com > Experiences. Applications for next year's Academy will be available in early November 2026
Day 1: 2026 Coquitlam Junior Firefighter Academy!
Good luck to Class 8!
The group of 12 SD43 students will spend the next 8 days learning about this challenging and rewarding career. Days will be filled with lots of hands-on experience in firefighting.
More info about this program is on 43careers.com > Experiences.
We're looking for trades employers, unions, organizations to attend our June 3rd Skilled Trades Expo.
Scan the QR code or go to 43careers.com.
Help us support the next generation of skilled tradespeople!
‼️Thinking ahead starts now‼️
Whether you’re looking to gain independence through your Driver’s Permit with What the L 🚗 or explore future career pathways in the Indigenous Trade Sampler🛠️, these events are designed to help you build real-life skills beyond the classroom.
See your Post-Secondary Career Advisor for questions and applications, or apply through our website today.
These are opportunities you don’t want to miss.🙌🏻👀
Have you applied to our upcoming events!?
Congratulations to all of the SD43 students who earned the Youth WORK in Trades Award.
Good luck in your future endeavors!
Are you an SD43 student or recent grad who is working in the skilled trades? Join the WORK in Trades Program.
Go to 43careers.com > WORK in Trades and complete the form.
🚨 WHAT THE L?! 🚨
Students 16+, this one’s for you.
Everything you need to know to get your L permit đźš—đź’¨ Limited spots!!
📆 Apply February 11 – March 11
Let’s get you road-ready.
