Youth in Wiarton have a more promising future through the Trades Start program offered at The Salvation Army Wiarton Community Church.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Since 2014, more than 100 young people have successfully completed the program, earning credits toward high school or General Educational Development (GED) certification.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d said Major Mary Millar, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Wiarton Community Church.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d Rielly said.<\/p>\n
Major Millar said Trades Start instills participants with a sense of personal self-worth that builds their confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s better to be proactive than reactive. Trades Start is something I believe can change our communities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n