Students from Sandy Lake First Nation build on their skills

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT COLLEGE
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This past summer students from Sandy Lake First Nation, who were enrolled in Sault College’s Building Maintenance and Construction Certificate program, put their learning and tools to the test to successfully build a house showcasing their training and talents! 

The students used their learning to work on various aspects of the home including: laying foundation, framing, doors, windows, siding and roofing.

The Building Maintenance and Construction program has been running consecutively for three years as a collaborative partnership between Sault College, 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. 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.

Seven students graduated from this unique, competency-based program that saw participants acquire a wide variety of work related knowledge, skills and experiences. After completing Health and Safety training and becoming certified in First Aid/CPR – Level C, WHMIS and Working at Heights, students moved on to begin the hands-on build.

Throughout the program, students successfully learned to work effectively and safely using a wide variety of tools and equipment, acquired skills in sketching and print reading, construction materials and their application, basic construction, and renovation techniques all while fostering collaboration in an effort to reach their common goal.

“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, Continuing Education, Sault College.

“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.”

This Building Maintenance and Construction Certificate program was offered in Sandy Lake First Nation from June 5 through to Aug. 31 and was led by a certified instructor – a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter with 30 years’ experience in the field.

“Sault College offers customization of training, such as the Building Maintenance and Construction program, for any organization or corporation. We encourage organizations to reach out to discuss how we can help to achieve their training goals,” added Crosson.

For more information about this, contact Lori Crosson at 705-759-2554 ext. 2442 or [email protected].

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