Remi Poliquin
Counsel
First-Ever Youth Trades Camp at VACC
by Julie Liebman
With a focus on plumbing, piping, and electricity, the Verdun Adult and Career Centre (VACC) launched its first-ever Youth Trades Camp for teens. The camp is designed to give teens first-hand technical learning and experience in the fields of plumbing and construction.
A first in Quebec, the camp lasted one week and was designed for curious minds and future builders. It introduced participants to essential plumbing tools, techniques, and safety practices in a supportive and interactive environment. Participants were LBPSB students between 14 and 16 years old.
Each received a Milwaukee Camper Kit which includes protective gear, screwdrivers, a measuring tape, a level, plyers, and much more.
Campers learned about pipe fittings, soldering, welding, and plumbing installations. Liam Murray said he picked up skills at this summer camp.
“If you’re more of a hands-on person, it’s a fun thing to do,” he said.
Instructors from VACC give their campers hands-on experience in the school’s labs. Willie Thériault has been a plumber since 1991 and can spot aptitude in some of these possible apprentices.
“I know just by the way they handle the tools,” he said.
In one week, this camp covered technical learning, essential tools, and safety practices.
“We’re actually surprised that they’ve been concentrating on the projects and I hardly saw any of them on their iPhone,” said instructor, Andreas Lemontzis.
Liyah Birchenough, 16, said she’s interested in construction because artificial intelligence can’t do this kind of work. “I just really like hands-on jobs. Plus, trades is where the money is at,” she said.
The camp was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Heavy Metal Summer Experiences, an organization that strives to inspire students with real-world training showcasing dynamic career opportunities in the skilled trades, and to ensure the continued vitality of the union construction industry.
“All of our campers are from the school board,” says Emma Bryans, assistant director at VACC. So they are part of our network, our secondary schools. They’re between the ages of 14 and 16, and so we’re hopefully giving them that earlier exposure to trades as a viable study and career pathway. It was amazing watching the students build their confidence over just one week. Next year, we will be running another cohort and details will be available in early winter!”.
