RRDSB OYAP

10/05/2026

Thank you to Stromness Contracting and all the other co-op employers giving high school students a head start in the trades through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program!

06/27/2026

06/27/2026

Congratulations Porter!

🎉 Congratulations, Porter! 🎉

Today we celebrate an incredible milestone as you graduate from high school and successfully completing your Level 1 Carpentry Apprenticeship.

Your hard work, dedication, and willingness to learn have not gone unnoticed. It has been a pleasure watching you grow both personally and professionally, and we’re excited to have you join the Stromness Contracting Ltd. team full-time.

At Stromness, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and Porter is a great example of what commitment and determination can achieve.

Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished—we’re excited to see what the future holds. Welcome to the Stromness family full-time! 👏🔨

05/06/2026

Congratulations Matt!

04/19/2026

Good luck Porter - getting your Level 1 apprenticeship training as a General Carpenter is a pretty good way to finish off high school!

We will miss this guy while he is at trade school but it's also a proud moment as a boss to see what started as just a summer job turn into him wanting to make this a career. Good luck at school Porter.

11/07/2025

It’s Skilled Trades & Technology Week! (Nov 2–8)

Last week, RRDSB students from JK–Grade 8 had the chance to hear from Jamie McMillan, a skilled trades professional and founder of Kickass Careers.

Jamie’s message was clear: trades are for everyone. Her experience as an Ironworker building steel structures and breaking barriers helped students see trades and apprenticeships as exciting career options they can pursue.

Career exploration starts early — and Jamie’s visit helped spark that journey for the future builders, makers, and innovators in our schools!

Jamie's visit was made possible by the RRDSB Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) which provides promotion, support, and work experience for students exploring the skilled trades and apprenticeship in the RRDSB.

Learn more:
https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/program/national-skilled-trade-and-technology-week/
https://www.rrdsb.com/programs_learning/student_success/oyap
https://madeinthetrade.com/

11/07/2025

Nov 2-8 is Skilled Trades and Technology Week!

On October 28, 11 girls from Grades 7–9, joined by local skilled trades mentors, gathered in the FFHS Manufacturing Lab for a hands-on welding experience with instructor Jason T. and industry mentors Kaitlyn B, Trinity R, and Qianna B. Special guest Jamie McMillan, ironworker and trades advocate, shared her journey into the trades and inspired everyone with her story.

Participants learned basic welding skills, created their own projects, and explored high school pathways like tech courses and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

More events are coming soon across the district — each focused on different trades and opportunities!

Want to learn more or be notified of future skilled trades and apprenticeship opportunities? Parents/guardians can contact Rob Donaldson, OYAP Recruiter for RRDSB.

To find out more about how OYAP gives RRDSB students a chance to explore and get a head start on apprenticeship through Coop: https://www.rrdsb.com/programs_learning/student_success/oyap

11/05/2025

Thanks for the shoutout Rainy Lake Electrical ! This event was a joy to put on, and definitely sparked some interest in the trades for students and adults alike. Look for more “try a trade” events to come across the district!

10/15/2025

Calling Grade 7, 8, and 9 girls to learn more about welding!

Attend an exciting hands-on event that allows girls explore the world of skilled trades through a beginner’s welding workshop. Each student will attend with a female mentor — a family member or family friend approved by a parent/guardian — to learn, create, and connect.

The event will take place Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Fort Frances High School. Spaces are limited, so sign up now if you are interested!

For more information please see our website or contact Rob Donaldson: https://rrdsb.ss14.sharpschool.com/calendar

05/30/2025

Exciting Career Opportunity! 🦺

The Town of Fort Frances is looking for a Tradesperson to join our Recreation and Culture team, to provide and oversee maintenance services to all recreational and municipal facilities.

Why Join Us?
✅ Be part of impactful initiatives in the community
✅ Great health benefits package & pension plan
✅ Unionized role with lots of support
✅ Supportive & inclusive work environment

👍 Find out more and apply: https://www.fortfrances.ca/town/human-resources/employment-opportunities