Stanley Black & Decker Donation to Delta will Boost Young Women in Trades
Delta Secondary School is welcoming a generous donation of premium tools from Stanley Black & Decker that will support young women interested in the trades. The event at Delta will be Friday, September 18 at 10 a.m.
The donation of 154 tools is valued at about $5,000 and includes everything from levels to cordless drills, cable compressors, sanders, pry bars, screwdrivers, wrenches and more.
“We are making a real effort to encourage all students to consider a variety of pathways – and getting young women to consider the trades is an important part of this,” explained Peter Joshua, Superintendent of Student Achievement (North Cluster).
“Thanks to Stanley Black & Decker, these tools will open up new possibilities for young women who often do not pursue apprenticeships and skilled trades due to a lack of experience with the equipment. This will build their skills and confidence in a comfortable learning environment.
Delta is offering two new courses this year – an Interior Design course and a girls-only Home and Car Maintenance course.
“The skilled trades are very important to our economy. They provide great careers, wages and many opportunities to run your own business,” said Greg Dillon, Stanley Black & Decker field marketing coordinator. “Good for Delta for creating programs to support and benefit young women interested in a skilled trades career.”
Technology Education Department Head Ramzi Haddad explained that in the two-credit Interior Design course, students will design, create, reupholster, refinish and recreate/build furniture for a fresh and trendy new look. Students receive a Family Studies and a Tech credit at the same time.
In the All-Female Home & Car Maintenance course, students will spend first semester being introduced to framing, electrical, drywall, plumbing, and other home maintenance needs. In the second half of the semester, students will learn about car care and vehicle ownership, preventive maintenance, oil changes, checking fluids and more.
The new female-only maintenance course is unique to Delta and will help introduce female students to the trades. Since fall 2014, HWDSB has had about 70 female students registered or pending as apprentices in the following trades: Automotive Service Technician, General Carpenter, Child Development Practitioner, Child and Youth Worker and Hairstylist.
This is not the first time Stanley Black & Decker has supported skilled trades education at HWDSB. Last year, the company worked with staff to outfit the OYAP/Building Careers from the Ground Up trailer with power tools, hand tools and pneumatic tools valued at about $9,000. The company has also supported skills competitions, tool certification and women in trades.
In July, HWDSB held its first skilled trades dinner at which young women in grades 9 to 12 heard from a tradesperson about what it’s like to work in the skilled trades. Each student was invited to bring a significant female mentor in their life, whether this was a parent, guardian, caregiver or teacher.
About HWDSB
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is engaging the community to reimagine its vision and focus. Watch for details as the Board rolls out the Reimagine HWDSB initiative so our community can help us Explore, Imagine and Launch a new direction. Learn more at www.hwdsb.on.ca or follow us on Twitter @hwdsb.
Media Contact
Rob Faulkner
Communications Officer
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
905-527-5092 x2377, 905-906-2007 (cell)
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.