High school students explore careers in the trades

About 50 high school students from R.F. Staples and St. Mary School got to see more than a dozen career opportunities in the trades at the Westlock Trades Exploration event. Students were able to network with local tradespeople in ironwork, sheet metal, hairstyle, automotive service, autobody service, heavy equipment, agriculture, crane and hoist, power line, carpentry and cabinet making, gasfitting, electrical, and welding. Both St. Mary and R.F. offer the Apprenticeship Program (RAP), where students receive course credit while working in a designated trade. Usually the students seek out an employer willing to take them on as an apprentice. "I think it's important in a rural community for local businesses, for employers to connect with the younger generation because I think things are picking up in the community," St. Denis said.