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Epic Jobs 2024 attracts record number of students who gain valuable exposure to the trades
BRANTFORD (May 23, 2024) – A record-high 2,400 students took part in our community’s Epic Jobs handson skills trades fair on May 22. Attracting more than 800 students compared to 2023, Grade 7 and 8 students from schools across the Grand Erie region spent hours at the event held at Brantford’s Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, taking over the floor of one rink and an outdoor parking lot
“We saw a lot of happy smiles on the faces of students, which is proof in itself of what a hit Epic Jobs was,” said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, the event’s main organizer.
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“Students were excited and curious to learn about dozens of trades, meet tradespeople and try the many handson activities. Girls were just as interested as the boys, which is great to see because we need more women in the trades in the future.”
Students could try their hand at soldering pipe, operate a crane, strip electrical wire, use power tools, ride a scissor lift, and put on safety equipment used by hydro workers, construction workers and firefighters Students could also see heavy equipment up close, including a $1million piece of forestry equipment, participate in a construction skills competition or race around a police obstacle course.
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A Grand Erie District School board student tests some tools at the Tigercat Industries booth at the 2024 Epic Jobs Fair held on May 22. Photos submitted by the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie

A Stelco employe shows a student how to strip wire.
“Stelco Lake Erie Works is located in Nanticoke and it is important for students and schools to know the various well-paying, secure jobs right in their community. A career in the trades can lead to growth opportunities in engineering, specialist roles and management. The competencies and transferrable skills you learn in trades can be used at home and work.”
- Erica Chow, Human Resources, Stelco