Emily Rogers, a Grade 12 student at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School in Hanmer, has expressed an interest in exploring a future in the skilled trades. Throughout the summer, she worked in at B & D Manufacturing, where she learned how to operate a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine and drill mills. She also learned about boring bar replacement, filing and dialing, as well as packaging, receiving and quality control.  

Recently, Emily participated in the Jill of All Trades initiative at Cambrian College.  This full-day event was filled with exciting, real application activities and featured plenty of hands-on learning guided by faculty in Cambrian’s technology program. Jill of All Trades is designed to foster an appreciation for skilled trades and help young women gain an understanding of the opportunities that are available to them.  

Emily Rogers has been exploring a career in skilled trades for the past five years, and has learned more about plumbing, carpentry and construction, automotive, fabrication, and tech design.  She is also a part of the Manufacturing Specialist High Skilled Major (SHSM) program offered at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS. 

“Bishop builds an amazing program for going into the trades. I feel like I am ready for college, because without these programs I wouldn’t have been exposed to these trades. It gave me the courage to apply for a skilled trade program,” said Emily Rogers.

Mr. Remillard, one of the SHSM teachers at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS spoke highly of Emily’s knowledge in the courses she has completed. “Emily is well rounded and has taken a variety of courses to help build her knowledge in a variety of areas.  She has been exposed to AutoCAD planning, oxy acetylene welding and cutting, MIG welding, fitting, plasma cutting, metal prep and painting”.

The staff at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS are excited to see what the future holds for Emily and all our students in Grade 12 that are exploring their future in both post-secondary school and the workplace.  Through guidance from teachers and support staff at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS, the Grade 12 students are prepared for the next step in their life journey.