< Back to Events

Renovate your skills

"Renovate Your Skills" is a gateway to the exciting world of skilled trades, hosted by Skills Council of Canada. The event aims to educate and engage young individuals interested in trades involved in home renovation. Experience hands-on sessions, hear from industry leaders, and explore your potential career path in this engaging one-day event.

Hands-On Workshops: Participate in a variety of workshops led by experienced trades professionals. These sessions are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in key areas such as basic masonry, tile setting, home renovations, and more.

Skills Development Sessions: Attend sessions focused on essential skills for success in the trades, including safety training, tool usage, measurement and calculation, and blueprint reading.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with trades professionals, employers, and educators. This is an excellent chance to ask questions, gain insights, and build connections that could lead to apprenticeship opportunities and employment.

Apprenticeship Info Session: Gather information on the Ontario Apprenticeship Journey and learn about the tools and resources available to you as you continue your path to success in the Skilled Trades.

Event Agenda

8:30 - 9:20 AM - Arrival and Welcome  
Participants register, network, and settle in.

9:30 - 10:30 AM - Session 1: Drywall/Finishing
Explore the fundamentals of drywall installation and finishing techniques. Learn about the tools, materials, and safety standards involved, alongside a practical demonstration on drywall finishing.

10:40-11:40 AM
- Session 2: Tile Setting
Learn the fundamentals of tile setting, including material selection, surface preparation, and installation techniques. This session will include hands-on activities such as laying tiles and grouting, as well as discussing maintenance and aesthetic design options.

11:50-12:20 PM
- Lunch  

A 30-minute break for lunch.  

12:30-1:30 PM
- Session 3: Apprenticeship Information Session

An interactive discussion featuring the team from Support Ontario Youth (SOY). This session will include a Q&A period and information on how to pursue apprenticeships. Closing remarks to end the day.

Event Date:

May 24, 2024

Event Summary

Join us at "Renovate Your Skills," a dynamic event designed to inspire and inform participants about the myriad of career paths in the skilled trades. This day is dedicated to hands-on experiences, insightful discussions, and networking opportunities that pave the way for future careers in various trades.

Skilled Trades to Explore:

  • Home Renovation - Drywalling and Tiling

Panel discussions

The day will include a panel of industry experts that will share their experiences, stories and have interactive conversations with attendees

Partners Supporting the Event

Special thanks to all our great funding, facility, and management partners for all their support for this event. Your efforts, leadership and ongoing support to our participants is truly appreciated

Event Activities

Participants will be engaged in both theory and hands on experiences designed to provide an interactive day of fun!

Drywall Finishing
Materials that will be used

General Supplies

  • Safety Equipment: First aid kit, safety goggles, and gloves where necessary.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels, cleaning sprays, sanitizers, and soaps to maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the event.
  • Sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and trash bags to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Drywall Finishing:

  • Measuring and Cutting Drywall: Students learn how to accurately measure and cut drywall panels to fit specific spaces, including around obstacles like windows and doors.
  • Mixing and Applying Joint Compound: Demonstrations often include how to properly mix joint compound (also known as mud) and the techniques for applying it smoothly to seams and screw indentations.
  • Taping Seams: Students are taught how to apply drywall tape over the seams between panels to ensure a smooth, seamless finish once the mud is applied and sanded.
  • Sanding: This skill involves smoothing out the dried joint compound to a fine finish, ready for priming and painting. It's essential for achieving a professional appearance.
  • Spotting Screws: The process of applying joint compound over screw heads to cover them effectively, ensuring they are not visible once the finishing touches are done.
  • Corner Work: Learning how to handle inside and outside corners with special tools like corner trowels or using specific techniques to ensure sharp, clean lines.
  • Safety Practices: Important in all trades training, students learn about the necessary safety practices to prevent injuries, such as proper handling of tools and materials, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Tile Setting
Materials that will be used

Coming soon...

Tile Setting:

  • Understanding Materials: Learning about the different types of tiles (such as ceramic, porcelain, stone) and the appropriate adhesives and grouts for each type.
  • Surface Preparation: Teaching how to properly prepare surfaces for tiling, which includes cleaning, leveling, and sometimes applying waterproofing membranes, especially in areas prone to moisture.
  • Layout Planning: Demonstration includes how to plan tile layouts, which involves measuring the area, determining the starting point, and balancing the layout to minimize cuts and waste.
  • Cutting Tiles: Students learn how to use tile cutters, both manual and electric, to precisely cut tiles to fit around edges, corners, and obstacles like plumbing fixtures.
  • Applying Adhesive: Techniques for applying tile adhesive (also known as thinset) correctly to ensure a strong bond and even support for the tiles.
  • Setting Tiles: Instruction on how to properly place tiles on the adhesive, align them, and adjust for even spacing and level.
  • Grouting: After the tiles are set and the adhesive has cured, students learn how to apply grout to fill the spaces between tiles, creating a clean and durable finish.
  • Sealing: Demonstration will also cover how to seal tiles and grout to protect against moisture and staining, particularly important for porous materials.
  • Use of Tools: Familiarization with the various tools used in tile setting, including spacers, notched trowels, sponges, and leveling systems.
  • Safety Practices: As with any trade, safety is crucial. Students learn about the proper safety gear, such as gloves, knee pads, and eye protection, and safe handling practices to prevent injuries.
Tile Setting
Materials that will be used

Try Our Skilled Trades - FAQs

Everything you need to know about the program.
What is the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?
The 'Try Our Skilled Trades' program is an initiative designed to introduce participants to the wide range of opportunities available in skilled trades. Focusing on practical, hands-on experiences, it aims to demystify trades careers and encourage more women to consider them as viable and fulfilling career options.
Who is eligible to participate in the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?
Participants can explore a variety of trades, including but not limited to carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), welding, Auto Service and more. Each event may offer different trade options based on availability and participant interest. Please review each event to determine which trade you would be interested in exploring. Each event will typically focus on 3 trades.
Do participants need any prior experience in trades to join the program?
No, participants do not need any prior experience. The program is designed to be an introductory experience, offering a supportive environment to learn and explore different trades.
How long is the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?
Program durations are typically structured as short, immersive experiences typically 1hr to 1.5hrs, allowing participants to get a tangible sense of each trade.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
Most events under the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program are free to eligible participants. This initiative is part of Skills Council of Canada's commitment to making skills development accessible to all and funding is supported thanks to the Government of Ontario.
What will participants gain from attending the program?
Participants will gain hands-on experience, insights into various trades, and the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field. Additionally, the program aims to inspire confidence in pursuing trades as a career path.
Are there any support services available for participants after completing the program?
Yes, participants have access to career support mentors, further educational resources, and can be connected with employment opportunities through Skills Council of Canada's extensive network.
How can participants register for the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?
Interested individuals can register through the Skills Council of Canada website or contact our program coordinators directly for more information on upcoming events and availability.
Where are 'Try Our Skilled Trades' events held?
Events are held in Brampton Ontario, utilizing our 17 trade facility at Judith Nyman Secondary School. Locations and dates are periodically updated on our website to reflect the latest schedule.