With safety gear on and sleeves rolled up, students from across St. Clair Catholic got a real taste of the skilled trades during two immersive field experiences at LiUNA training centres in Windsor and Sarnia.
On March 27, students from UCC and St. Joseph Catholic School in Tilbury visited LiUNA Local 625 in Windsor. Guided by experienced apprentices and instructors, students rotated through a series of hands-on activities that included navigating job-site tasks while harnessed, practicing concrete finishing, learning how to operate lifts and equipment, and simulating work in confined spaces. The fast-paced day gave students the chance to try new tools, learn safety protocols, and problem-solve together.
“It was an incredible day,” says Dan Solinas, teacher. “The students were energized and completely engaged. They loved getting their hands dirty—literally—and experiencing what it’s like to work in the trades. It opened their eyes to careers they hadn’t considered before, and I think some of them walked away seeing a new path forward.”
From April 22 to 24, the action continued at LiUNA Local 1089 in Sarnia, where students from St. Pat’s and several Catholic elementary schools—Sacred Heart Port Lambton, St. Philip, Holy Trinity, and St. Elizabeth—took part in a similar experience. After a morning “toolbox talk” and tour of the training centre, students participated in team-based stations such as scaffolding, cement finishing, pipe fitting, and simulated height training. Whether building forms, assembling piping, or collaborating on problem-solving challenges, students showed focus, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of teamwork.
“There’s something powerful about giving students the chance to learn by doing,” says Chris St. Amand, Experiential Learning Coordinator. “These experiences allow them to see what they’re capable of—and to see themselves in careers they may never have imagined. You could feel the excitement and the confidence building. That’s the kind of impact that lasts.”
The visits were part of St. Clair Catholic’s continued commitment to experiential learning and supporting student exploration of the skilled trades—helping to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
