The City of Welland’s Economic Development Department continues to support local partners and the trades, teaming with the Niagara Catholic District School Board to host the second leg of this year’s trades promotion nights.

Taking place on Wednesday, May 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Saint Michael Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, the City of Welland’s presence and promotion stems from discussions with industry leaders in Welland. The economic development team’s involvement directly relates to the pursuit of bringing talented and engaging industry to the city while helping prepare the future workforce to meet industry needs.

“It’s no secret that skilled trade workers are in high demand,” said Lina DeChellis, economic development manager. “Our focus continues to be on understanding what the City of Welland needs to attract new businesses and to help prepare our emerging workforce to meet the needs and requirements of the exciting industries calling Welland home.”

The events promote the trades to parents and students in Grades 6 to 10, strengthening the industry-school relationship. The first trades night in January hosted 30 vendors and attracted more than 300 students and parents.

“Our goal is to promote all post-secondary pathways to our students and highlighting the local opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies with our industry partners provides real examples of apprenticeship success,” explained Kim Kinney, Niagara Catholic Superintendent of Education responsible for the Program and Innovation portfolio. “The realities of the apprenticeship pathway may appeal to students who are college- or university-bound, and this event is designed to provide the information to parents and students directly from industry.”