Latest news with #SkillsOntario
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Considering a new career? Try a Trade Truck rolling into Port Colborne
Niagarans interested in a career in the skilled trades will have a unique opportunity to try their hand at a wide range of jobs when the Try a Trade Truck pulls into Port Colborne next month. Hosted by PC Works Employment, a division of Port Cares, in partnership with the City of Port Colborne and Skills Ontario, the free public event will take place June 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charlotte Street market square. Designed for all ages and experience levels, the Try a Trade Truck is a mobile, interactive experience featuring a variety of stations and workshops showcasing traditional and new skilled trades. People will have opportunity to work with tool and technologies used in careers such as welding, automotive wiring, pneumatics, hairstyling, cake decorating and 3D printing. The event will also feature virtual reality simulations, allowing people to test electrical work and forklift operation in a safe environment. 'This is a hands-on opportunity for individuals to explore different career paths, connect with industry professionals, and discover what a future in the trades could look like,' said Kailey Corbi, employment services manager at PC Work Employment, in a statement. 'We believe events like this are vital for building a strong, skilled workforce in our community.' Attendees can also connect with local employees and training institutions offering mentorship, apprenticeship and career advice. Several organizations will also be at the event, including Skilled Trades Ontario, Skills Canada, Cappa College, Literacy Link and Port Colborne-based Zavcor Trucking. 'This event is open to everyone, from high school students exploring options to adults re-entering the workforce,' said Corbi. 'A skilled trades career can open doors to financial stability, personal fulfilment and long-term success.' More information about the event can be found on the PC Works Employment website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Fort Erie students headed to Skills Canada National competition
Two Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) students are heading to the Skills Canada National competition in Regina, Sask., later this month after capturing gold medals in their respective categories at the Skills Ontario competition. Autumn Wartman, a Grade 12 student and kitchen manager at the school's student-run restaurant, The Pomegranate, won gold in the job skill demonstration category with a crêpe-making tutorial. It's her second year competing after winning bronze at the national level last year. 'This year, I was excited and not scared,' she said. 'I just knew that last year I had so much fun getting to go to a different province (to compete) for a week.' Angel Blackwood, also in Grade 12, took gold in the prepared speech category. Her oration focused on a lack of representation in cosmetology curriculum, specifically the absence of instruction on textured hair. 'Winning wouldn't just mean getting a medal, it would mean showing that this experience is something that (I) just faced, but other people also face,' she said. 'It means (getting) more representation and showing that this is something that needs to be changed.' Both students credit their culinary arts teacher, Afshin Keyvani. Wartman has been working with him weekly after school since her first year competing. 'Every Wednesday after school we practised, which I think is probably the reason why I've been so successful, he's so dedicated.' Wartman discovered her love for baking during the COVID-19 lockdowns and transferred to GFESS in Grade 10 for its culinary program. She said Skills Ontario has helped her grow personally and professionally. 'It's just kind of getting to see how everything pays off,' she said. 'I'm just excited and happy to have done it, and really proud of what I've done.' Blackwood, who moved to Fort Erie from Brampton four years ago, also worked closely with Keyvani to develop her speech and prepare for competition. 'He came up to me in the hallway and was telling me a little bit about the competition and to explore public speaking, to try new things,' she said. 'So I got involved with it and then immediately the cosmetology situation popped into my head.' Her efforts have already helped bring change. When she was in Grade 11, Blackwood began speaking with District School Board of Niagara's equity, diversity and inclusion advisers, who helped bring textured hair tools into cosmetology classrooms. But she said more work is needed. 'It's not just the (tools) being put in the classes,' she said. 'But that the lessons are being taught and tailored toward that hair texture as well.' School principal Jessica Folino said Blackwood's speech has sparked change at the school and beyond. 'She's leaving a legacy behind,' Folino said. 'Her experience was heard (and) we've had students work with instructors from different salons that work with Black hair and textured hair. Her experience has driven a lot of the improvement that we've seen.' Keyvani, who has led students to Skills Canada Nationals several times in his 20-plus years of teaching, said both students represent what these skills competitions are about. 'They have to do their job, they have to attend the practices, communicate their needs with their teachers, then they're going to be successful in the long run,' he said. 'They're going to learn those transferable skills. (Students) that competed (in) the last 20 years, they're all doing great in life. They're chefs, they're teachers, they're in positions of authority.' Blackwood is considering a career in veterinary science, but plans to keep cosmetology in her life. 'Mainly, I want to become a veterinarian, but I do want to work with hair still and learn more about it. My auntie does hair as well,' she said. Wartman is headed to Niagara College in the fall for its baking and pastry arts program. She said competing has helped shape her future. 'Just being able to show off your skills and your interests in a competition opens up so many opportunities, like scholarships, apprenticeships and jobs in the future,' she said. Folino said the entire school is proud of the two students. 'They are wonderful representatives for not only GFESS but for DSBN,' she said. 'They're making us so proud, themselves proud, and their families proud.' The 2025 Skills Canada National Competition runs May 29 and 30 in Regina, where both Blackwood and Wartman will compete as part of Team Ontario.
Hamilton Spectator
06-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Cooking with heart: Fort Erie students help honour Community Living volunteers
Community Living Fort Erie celebrated its volunteers recently with a special dinner cooked up by the students at Pomegranate Restaurant located inside Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS). Held April 30 as part of Community Living Month, the volunteer appreciation night honoured volunteers for their time, commitment and impact on local programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities. The three-course dinner was prepared and served by students under the guidance of culinary teacher, Afshin Keyvani. Community Living board of directors chair Betty Talbot, kicked off the event by thanking the many volunteers who fill roles ranging from e-gaming and administrative work, to leisure buddy programs and fundraising. 'What you do matters more than you know,' she said. 'You may not always see the full ripple effect of your efforts, but let me assure you, you make a big difference.' Margaret Fidler, manager of community development, also took time to honour the short-term and long-term volunteers at the event. 'This kind of teamwork is rare, and it's something I'll always treasure,' Fidler said. 'Your efforts have brought joy to countless families and made a lasting impact on this community, and on me personally.' The evening was planned to celebrate the work of Community Living's volunteers, but also marked the end of an era as the organization bid farewell to Fidler, who is retiring. To close the evening, office administrator Tiyanna Schooley, gave a heartfelt speech to honour Fidler's impact. 'I've been here five months, and what I learned is that this woman seriously, loves, cares and appreciates you guys all so much,' she said. 'She genuinely cares, and I've never seen someone who embodies their career and cares so much about the people she serves.' The dinner, sponsored by Bill Marr of Garrison Automotive Service, was one of many events planned for Community Living Month. On Tuesday, the organization raised its Community Living flag at Fort Erie Town Hall, with Mayor Wayne Redekop in attendance. 'They had a lot of people turn out, it was great,' said Talbot. As plates were cleared and dessert was served, applause filled the room not only for the volunteers, but also for the students that made the dinner possible. Student Harper James said the experience of being part of the culinary program has opened up opportunities she never imagined. 'There's (a lot) of different experiences that I would have never even thought of or known of until I took culinary arts and met a teacher like (Keyvani),' said James, who has participated in the program for three years. James is also involved in Skills Ontario competitions and has been a part of relaunching the school's in-house restaurant, the Pomegranate, which had been dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We started (the Pomegranate) again last year after getting back into everything after COVID,' she said. 'Last year was the first year bringing it back to GFESS.' Keyvani, who teaches culinary arts at the school, said the culinary students are often involved in events that serve the broader community, including local fundraisers, school functions, and special dinners like the Community Living dinner. For students like James and her peers, this event was more than just an after school project, it was a chance to contribute to the community and learn by doing. 'It's kind of cool knowing that there are so many different things I get to experience just because I have a teacher that is so involved,' she said.
CBC
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Conestoga chef and hospitality students put to the test at provincial competition: Jasmine Mangalaseril
Social Sharing With capstone projects top of mind, end-of-term can be busy and stressful for college students completing their diploma programs. For Dux Donyll Menil, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin, it also means extra hours in training so they can represent Conestoga College's School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at the Skills Ontario competition in early May. With more than 2,400 secondary and post secondary students vying for medals, it's Canada's largest skilled trades competition. While good marks are important, intangible qualities also play a part in selecting competitors. "There's always the gifted one in class where you can see the ideas are very different, interesting," explained chef Sergio Shidomi, one of Conestoga's culinary instructors. "Who's standing out from the group. It's not easy to do…it's a lot to absorb, so they have to be a very calm person, too." Restaurant Service Dux Donyll Menil's attention to detail and problem-solving skills were important factors in being selected for the Restaurant Service competition. "So much of service is about personality and problem solving in the moment. Dux, our competitor, already he's a great server," said Darryl Haus, hospitality instructor and maître d' at Conestoga's Bloom Restaurant. "You can tell he really, truly is a professional because he knows how to read the guests. He knows how to meet and exceed their expectations." Menil arrived at Conestoga having studied hospitality and hotel management in the Philippines. Here, he knits together academics and work from both sides of the globe. "Working in a restaurant as the server, you think that is a simple thing, but if you're going to put yourself in our shoes, we have a hard time to shift your mood while you're here in the restaurant," said Menil. "We're not only serving food. We're giving you an experience." The Restaurant Service competition will test Menil's bartending skills and ability to identify wine varietals. He will also be expected to serve a four-course meal for four and prepare a unique non-alcoholic cocktail from a list of provided ingredients. Haus and Conestoga instructors, Sam Prout (bartending) and Nikki Does (wines) oversee his training. Baking Competition Over the course of their diplomas, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin displayed a strong understanding of flavours. Shidomi also mentioned Patil's clean presentations at in-school competitions, while Duffin's forte is thinking outside the box. Their coaches are chefs Sabine Heinrich-Kumar and Tim Simpson with Shidomi providing guidance when and as he can. "I get to learn new chefs are so good they calm us down. They run down the process to us and then it's really great," said Patil. As the students' training progresses, their confidence grows. "They've been giving me great feedback on the flavours and the designs," said Duffin. "It's been really helpful everything." In Toronto, Patil and Duffin will compete as individuals, creating bonbons, macarons, and a sculptural chocolate centrepiece. Each submission will need to meet specific weights and measurements and the recipes they're currently developing must use ingredients from a list provided by contest organizers. Attracting young people to skilled trades According to Employment and Social Development Canada, more than 700,000 tradespeople in Canada are expected to retire within five years, which means these competitions are important in highlighting career possibilities for the next generation. These events help colleges attract students, and the students benefit too. Apart from testing their skills outside their school environment, participants make connections and build their professional networks. And while competition training is a lot of extra work, it also allows them to excel beyond their usual schoolwork. "At the end of the day, this as an opportunity for the student to push themselves. So often in the industry, we push ourselves to be better and to learn better," said Haus. "And this is an opportunity for them to grow."
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Conestoga chef and hospitality students put to the test at provincial competition: Jasmine Mangalaseril
With capstone projects top of mind, end-of-term can be busy and stressful for college students completing their diploma programs. For Dux Donyll Menil, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin, it also means extra hours in training so they can represent Conestoga College's School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at the Skills Ontario competition in early May. With more than 2,400 secondary and post secondary students vying for medals, it's Canada's largest skilled trades competition. While good marks are important, intangible qualities also play a part in selecting competitors. "There's always the gifted one in class where you can see the ideas are very different, interesting," explained chef Sergio Shidomi, one of Conestoga's culinary instructors. "Who's standing out from the group. It's not easy to do…it's a lot to absorb, so they have to be a very calm person, too." Dux Donyll Menil's attention to detail and problem-solving skills were important factors in being selected for the Restaurant Service competition. "So much of service is about personality and problem solving in the moment. Dux, our competitor, already he's a great server," said Darryl Haus, hospitality instructor and maître d' at Conestoga's Bloom Restaurant. "You can tell he really, truly is a professional because he knows how to read the guests. He knows how to meet and exceed their expectations." "He knows how to meet and exceed their expectations" says hospitality instructor Darryl Haus (left) of student Dux Donyll Menil (right) who will be taking part in the restaurant service portion of the competition. (Jasmine Mangalaseril/CBC) Menil arrived at Conestoga having studied hospitality and hotel management in the Philippines. Here, he knits together academics and work from both sides of the globe. "Working in a restaurant as the server, you think that is a simple thing, but if you're going to put yourself in our shoes, we have a hard time to shift your mood while you're here in the restaurant," said Menil. "We're not only serving food. We're giving you an experience." The Restaurant Service competition will test Menil's bartending skills and ability to identify wine varietals. He will also be expected to serve a four-course meal for four and prepare a unique non-alcoholic cocktail from a list of provided ingredients. Haus and Conestoga instructors, Sam Prout (bartending) and Nikki Does (wines) oversee his training. Over the course of their diplomas, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin displayed a strong understanding of flavours. Shidomi also mentioned Patil's clean presentations at in-school competitions, while Duffin's forte is thinking outside the box. Their coaches are chefs Sabine Heinrich-Kumar and Tim Simpson with Shidomi providing guidance when and as he can. Student Sanskruti Patil will compete against classmate Emilie Duffin in the baking portion of the competition. (Jasmine Mangalaseril/CBC) "I get to learn new chefs are so good they calm us down. They run down the process to us and then it's really great," said Patil. As the students' training progresses, their confidence grows. "They've been giving me great feedback on the flavours and the designs," said Duffin. "It's been really helpful everything." In Toronto, Patil and Duffin will compete as individuals, creating bonbons, macarons, and a sculptural chocolate centrepiece. Each submission will need to meet specific weights and measurements and the recipes they're currently developing must use ingredients from a list provided by contest organizers. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, more than 700,000 tradespeople in Canada are expected to retire within five years, which means these competitions are important in highlighting career possibilities for the next generation. Emilie Duffin will compete in the baking portion of the Skills Ontario competition. (Jasmine Mangalaseril/CBC) These events help colleges attract students, and the students benefit too. Apart from testing their skills outside their school environment, participants make connections and build their professional networks. And while competition training is a lot of extra work, it also allows them to excel beyond their usual schoolwork. "At the end of the day, this as an opportunity for the student to push themselves. So often in the industry, we push ourselves to be better and to learn better," said Haus. "And this is an opportunity for them to grow."
