The first five-day camp for African Nova Scotian (ANS) youth interested in exploring the skilled trades took place from July 11 - 15, in partnership with the Black Educators’ Association (BEA), NSCC and Youth Initiatives (Skills and Learning Branch). The project aimed to attract 12 ANS youth from the Preston-Cherry Brook areas who have had limited or no exposure to the skilled trades but were curious to explore what skills and kinds of work might be involved in trades.

On day one, thirteen youth and several chaperones ventured to the NSCSC’s Trades Exhibition Hall to experience a sample of more than 10 construction trades. It was a first-time Trades Hall experience for nearly all participants.

Days two-four involved hands-on welding with NSCC Instructor and Red Seal Endorsed welder, Adam Bartlett. The youth connected on many levels with Adam, who was able to speak to his experience as a person of colour in the skilled trades. By day three, another youth joined the camp, bringing the total number of youth to 14.

Youth welding projects included making dog tags and culminated in producing some of the easier-to-weld Adrinka symbols (historical and philosophical African symbols). The final day of the camp took place at the Black Cultural Centre (BCC) in Cherry Brook. The day featured a panel of three generations of ANS skilled trades professionals. The panel included: Sattina Dabb, a welder apprentice; Chad Carrington, RSE Carpenter; and Everald Armstrong, a provincially-certified construction electrician (CE) with 50 years in the trade. Yes, 50 years! The youth, and indeed the guests and partners gathered, listened intently to the panel. The reflections from the panel were insightful and ranged from a ‘fresh’, current experience of a woman of colour in the skilled trades; a professional in mid-career, and in a supervisory position; to an experienced professional who has faced and powered-through many different forms of anti-Black racism. Conrad Grosse of BEA moderated the panel, and served as host for the closing celebration. Special guest speakers included Preston MLA Angela Simmonds, NSAA’s CEO Marjorie Davison, and new NSCC Akerley Principal, Augy Jones. NSAA and Youth Initiatives contributed significant planning and coordination along with BEA toward the successful camp. It is also worthy to note that this was the first time NSAA has partnered with BEA. The camp this year provides a high standard for next year’s Skilled Trades Camp for ANS Youth.