Trades Start Program Bonds Youth to a Better Future

Youth in Wiarton have a more promising future through the Trades Start program offered at The Salvation Army Wiarton Community Church.

Trades Start, which started in 2014 with a single carpentry program, now offers four additional program areas to teach young people an in demand and marketable skilled trade in welding, technology, hospitality and horticulture.

Since 2014, more than 100 young people have successfully completed the program, earning credits toward high school or General Educational Development (GED) certification.

“We have seen such transformation for all of the students who participated. Not only do they learn a skill, but they also learn a whole lot of soft skills,” said Major Mary Millar, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Wiarton Community Church.

Trades Start is for women and men aged 16-29, high school students, those participating in Ontario Works, or for those looking for a life-changing career in the skilled trades. Participants also learn safety practices, life skills, networking, on the job training and resume and portfolio development.

Rielly is one of the participants in the welding program, learning the different types of wires and rods to use depending on the type of material being welded.

“This program can help later in life for getting a good job that pays a lot better than most. I can prove people wrong in my family that I could get a good job,” Rielly said.

Major Millar said Trades Start instills participants with a sense of personal self-worth that builds their confidence.

“It’s better to be proactive than reactive. Trades Start is something I believe can change our communities,” she said.

More information about Trades Start is available at www.wiartonsalvationarmy.ca/youth-programs/trades-start.