Launch Pad Youth Activity and Technology Centre (Launch Pad) is proud to announce the newest addition to its trade skills training centre, a 1200 sq ft wood shop.  With a mission to teach youth 12 to 18 with employability skills, Launch Pad already hosts a technology lab featuring coding programs and a 3D Printer, a 500 sq ft commercial kitchen, and a four-bay welding shop.

Launch Pad, is growing to become a key player in the local workforce development strategy.  The wood shop was the next logical addition to Launch Pad as we have seen great enthusiasm from the youth to learn skills in the trades.  We have also had success placing youth from our training programs with employers for summer positions and apprenticeship programs.  Furthermore, Grey-Bruce is home to many large wood manufacturing companies with aging workforces and are in need of young skilled youth that have knowledge in trade and technology skills.

March Break and after-school programs have already began in the woodshop and consistently achieved maximum registration capacity.  Future opportunities for growth to utilize the woodshop during the day while youth are in school include working with local employment agencies and industries to create a collaborative multi-week, pre-employment training program in and investigate social enterprise opportunities that would allow youth to learn trade skills but also learn principles of business and entrepreneurship.

“We need the next generation to not only get involved with trades but to also be leaders in the industry.  By teaching them skills through the development of a social enterprise, learn principles in business and entrepreneurship ultimately feeling confident to continue on trades businesses from owners that are ready to retire.” explains Emily Morrison, Executive Director of Launch Pad. “Furthermore, local wood manufacturing businesses are utilizing more and more technology-based equipment.  Having coding and robotics programs already being offered at Launch Pad it is easy for us to offer skills to youth that industry wishes to see in their future employees.”

An Open House to tour all of Launch Pad is Friday April 26th from 11AM – 6 PM with formal speeches to celebrate the woodshop at 12:30 PM.  Lunch is available from 11AM – 2PM by Grassroots Woodfire Pizza.

This project was greatly supported by Gay Lea Foods Foundation and the Community Foundation Grey Bruce.

Launch Pad is open Tuesday to Friday 3:30 – 8:00 PM for youth 12 to 18 years of age and offers after school/evening programming focused on skills based learning in addition to a youth drop-in space.  Launch Pad also offers full day programs throughout the summer months with registration for Summer 2019 now open.   For more information, or for a private tour at a later date Launch Pad, check out our website at www.yatc.ca or call 519-506-6300.