The delicious smell of freshly cooked meat wafted through the air at Barrhead Composite High School last week, as students hosted a Career Tailgate Party.
The event, which began at 11 a.m. on May 2, kicked off an entire day dedicated to promoting the trades in the community.
Helping sell tickets for the meal was field director for Careers: the next Generation Lorraine Jackson, who said she was there to support the event and promote programs like the Registered Apprentice Program (RAP) and Work Experience.
Careers: the next Generation is a non-profit organization that works all throughout Alberta promoting and supporting schools by raising awareness about programs like RAP.
“Right now what we do is we go out to the local industries and together to see what we can do to provide those opportunities for students to explore careers and help to decide what path they want to go on,” said Jackson.
The Tailgate Party provided a good opportunity for Jackson to connect with like-minded individuals and make her presence known.
It didn’t take long for a large crowd to gather for their beef on a bun.
BCHS students made the buns themselves and, with the help of Barrhead Custom Meats owner Dennis Ranger, even cooked the meat. However these cooking connoisseurs weren’t the only students who had a chance to show off their skills that afternoon.
From 1-3 p.m. the entire trades wing of the high school was open to the public, showcasing the hard work of the Career and Technology Studies students.
Chamber of Commerce director Mark Myrehaug could not have been happier to lead the way and share what the students have been up to.
“It is truly amazing what these students have been doing,” said Myrehaug, as he walked along the school corridors.
The tour began with an inside look at the home economics classroom, where the the magic of the beef on a bun happened earlier. Students could be observed making hamburgers and a thick stew.
Next, the scent of freshly made meals was replaced with the familiar smell of freshly cut wood as the group traveled to the school’s wood construction shop. The sound of saws and sandpaper against wood filled the air, as students worked on their current projects.
It was here the 10 ft. by 10 ft. storage shed sat, made entirely by the students themselves using donated materials from local businesses. Later that evening the finished project would be one of several items to be auctioned off at the Chamber of Commerce Gala auction, but for the time being it stood proudly as a product of hard work.
The automotive shop showed several cars that were currently undergoing building and repairs. Work by students would also be available for auction at the Gala later that evening in the form of oil changes, tire rotations and brake inspections.
Last on the tour’s agenda was a look at the welding shop. Sparks were flying as students concentrated on the tasks at hand.
From the welding department, the Gala auction received items such as a utility trailer, and a large firewood stand with sides beautifully details with leaves and vines.
A look at the school’s cosmetology area was also scheduled for a skills demonstration. However the students, who were going to be offering free haircuts, were unable to attend for personal reasons.
For coverage on the Gala, see next week’s Leader.
