500 Students Talk Trades and Technology

It won't be all talk Thursday, Sept. 11, when 500 Grade 9 students converge on the Akerley Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in Dartmouth for the Let's Talk Trades and Technology event.

Not only will the students will get first-hand advice from the pros on careers in trades and technology, they'll also get some hands-on experience to help them choose possible careers.

"One way to fight a future shortage of skilled trades and technology workers is to attract more young people to the field," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "In Grade 9, students are beginning to choose their career paths. We're hoping more will pick trades and technology careers once they learn about exciting options, low educational costs and high wages."

From carpentry to computers, plumbing to pilots -- information will be available to the students to make help them make informed decisions about their future careers.

The event will feature exhibits sponsored by the Department of Education, Skills Canada, the Department of National Defence, Techsploration and many more.

The Aviation Institute, NSCC will have its flight simulator on hand for those who want to test their skills as a pilot.

Potential sailors might want to try the Department of National Defence's marine simulator.

The event will conclude with student teams competing in a big screen version of Who Wants To Be A Tradesperson Jeopardy.

Let's Talk Trades and Technology begins at 10:30 a.m., at NSCC's Akerley Campus, 21 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth.