The first-ever Youth Trades Camp, for teens who are curious about working in the trades, is ongoing at the Verdun Adult and Career Centre (VACC). Campers are learning about pipe fittings, soldering, welding, and plumbing installations. Liam Murray says he’s picking up skills at this summer camp. “If you’re more of a hands-on person, it’s a fun thing to do,” he said Tuesday. 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 covers technical learning, essential tools, and safety practices. “All of our campers are from the school board, the Lester Pearson School Board. 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,” said Emma Bryans, assistant director of VACC. A first in Quebec, this free camp is designed for curious minds and, potentially, future builders. “We’re actually surprised that they’ve been concentrating on the projects and I’ve hardly seen any of them on their iPhone,” said instructor, Andreas Lemontzis. Liyah Birchenough, 16, says 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. Plans are already in the works for a two-week camp for summer 2027. No commitment is required, but certainly this real-world experience has sparked some interest in skilled trades.
