Education

6 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT • SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 EDUCATION GUIDE BY TODD LEWYS T he new Manitoba Building Trades Exhibition Hall is set to offer young Manitobans a real glimpse into what the trades have to offer. Initially slated to open in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic — as it's done to so many things — pushed back the opening date of the brand- new training facility at 225 McPhillips St. to Sept. 7. Tanya Palson, manager of communications and business development for Manitoba Build- ing Trades, says the state-of-the-art training centre will serve as a vehicle to show students in Grades 9-12 just how much a career as a tradesperson has to offer. MANITOBA BUILDING TRADES SUPPLIED Tanya Palson, manager of communications and business development for Manitoba Building Trades, says the state-of-the-art training centre will help students see just how much a career as a tradesperson has to offer. Get a taste of the trades "Right now, trades are battling two issues — a stigma that tradespersons aren't highly- skilled professionals, and a big skilled trade shortage," she says. "With those two things in mind, we did a lot of research and designed the exhibition hall to be a place where stu- dents can come and check out all the diverse professions." With 12 different construction trades booths showcasing over 30 different skilled trade careers, students will be able to get an up-close and highly interactive look at pro- fessions that range from boilermaker techni- cian to steamfitter/pipefitter, and more. "Our plan is to have groups of 24 to 30 stu- dents come to the hall to take part in an im- mersive three- to four-hour experience with our Try the Trades program," Palson explains. "Each area will be equipped with trade-spe- cific equipment and will be staffed by an ex- perienced tradesperson." Once at the booth or station, the students will get an up-close look at that trade. "Initially, the tradesperson will explain the trade — what it's about, their experiences working in it — and will answer any ques- tions students might have. Then, they'll get the chance to experience the trade through activities that are hands-on, and virtual." Palson says one of the most interesting booths will be one showcasing ironworking. "In this case, students will be dressed in protective gear and then walk across an I- beam on the floor with a virtual reality head- set on that simulates being 30 storeys up. It's going to be a very cool way to get a feel for what the job is like." CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 SUPPLIED The bricklaying workshop area at the new Manitoba Building Trades Exhibition Hall.

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