Launching Futures in the Skilled Trades
At St. Paul High School, the atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement as students from the Elite Skilled Trades Academy (ESTA) Carpentry Program celebrated the completion of their studies. The ceremony marked a defining moment for these graduates, who were equipped with the skills, certifications, and confidence to begin rewarding careers in the trades.
This graduation was not only about finishing a program; it was about launching futures. Each student walked across the stage knowing they had already built something lasting — the foundation for a successful career in carpentry. Their achievement reflected the hard work, determination, and hands-on learning that defined the ESTA experience.
Preparing Students for Success
The Elite Skilled Trades Academy provided OCSB students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications in Carpentry or Masonry, with Automotive to follow. Open to students from all OCSB high schools, ESTA bridged the gap between education and employment, helping learners graduate career-ready.
One of the program’s standout features was that students could earn their Level 1 Apprenticeship certification while still in high school, at no cost. Funded entirely through the Academy, this certification allowed graduates to transition seamlessly into apprenticeships or employment immediately after graduation.
Students split their time between their home school and St. Paul High School, where they received practical instruction from experienced trades professionals. By the time they graduated, they held both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the qualifications needed to begin their careers in the skilled trades.
The ESTA Carpentry Program
The Carpentry stream of ESTA equipped students with the technical knowledge, practical experience, and real-world problem-solving skills essential for success in the construction industry.
Students learned how to:
- Safely operate professional-grade tools and equipment.
- Interpret and create detailed blueprints.
- Build, measure, and assemble structures with precision.
- Collaborate on full-scale construction projects.
Through apprenticeship placements and mentorship from industry professionals, students gained authentic workplace experience before graduation. By the time they completed the program, they were ready to move directly into full-time positions or advanced apprenticeship levels, often earning competitive wages from the start.
A Bright Future Ahead
The success of the ESTA Carpentry graduates highlighted the strength of the OCSB’s commitment to career-focused education. These students not only completed high school but also achieved college-level Level 1 Apprenticeship training, giving them a significant advantage in the workforce.
Instead of facing post-secondary tuition, ESTA graduates stepped confidently into in-demand, well-paying jobs with real experience and professional credentials already in hand. Their achievements demonstrated how hands-on learning, mentorship, and innovation could change lives and strengthen communities.
Building a Career with Purpose
The Elite Skilled Trades Academy was open to OCSB students ready to take initiative, learn through experience, and start building their futures. Interested students were encouraged to speak with their Guidance Counsellor to learn more about eligibility, program offerings, and application details.
The world of skilled trades was filled with opportunity. Through ESTA, students did more than prepare for a job; they built a career, a community, and a future with purpose.
The campaign “Building Your Future in the Skilled Trades” received the Coup de Cœur Award at the 2025 BRAVO Awards, presented by the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE).