Strathmore hosts Try-A-Trade Day 

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore residents had a chance to pick up the tools and get a firsthand look at careers ranging from electrical and plumbing to welding, health care and emergency services when Try-A-Trade Day returned Sept. 22.

The event is designed to be more than a traditional career fair. Rather than simply moving from booth to booth collecting information, participants will be encouraged to try activities, handle equipment and speak directly with people working in the field.

“The main goal of Try-A-Trade Day is to get people interested in the trades and introduce them to opportunities they may not have considered before,” said Trisha Breault, CED Coordinator of Community Futures Wild Rose. “We have invited high schools from across our region, but the event is open to everyone. We encourage students, adults considering a career change and anyone curious about the trades to stop by try the activities and gather information.”

Organizers used workforce information and discussions about occupations in demand across the region to help determine which careers would be represented.

Attendees were able to learn from an electrician, plumber, gasfitter, mechanic and cabinet maker, as well as people working in nursing, laboratory services, EMS and fire services.

“We wanted to do something different from a traditional career fair. Instead of only collecting information, attendees can try a task, use equipment and get a better sense of what the work is actually like,” Breault said. “The hands-on part is extremely important as it gives participants the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to perform tasks within that profession.”

The approach builds on what organizers saw during last year’s event, which drew just over 300 people. The booths offering an activity proved to be among the busiest and the event resulted in more than just introductions.

“We had just over 300 attendees and two students were connected with Registered Apprenticeship Program placements following the event,” Breault said. “That showed us that these introductions can lead to real opportunities.”

Organizers have put an even greater emphasis on interactive demonstrations this year and expanded the occupations represented. Plumbing and gas fitting are among the additions.

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There will also be a focus on showing women and girls that careers in traditionally male-dominated trades are open to them. A female electrician and female gasfitter participated, while Women Building Futures will provide information about training and support available to women interested in the trades.

“We want women and girls to see that these careers are just as open to them as they are to anyone else,” Breault said.

The demand for skilled trades could become increasingly important as development continues around Strathmore and experienced workers approach retirement.

“New residential, commercial and industrial development creates an immediate need for construction trades, but it also creates ongoing demand for maintenance, repair, transportation and other skilled services,” Breault said. “At the same time some experienced tradespeople are moving toward retirement. We need to introduce people to these careers now so there is a trained workforce ready to meet both new growth and future replacement needs.”