Exploring future careers through Tec Voc Career Expo 2024

On March 13, Tec Voc High School organized its annual Career Expo event. Over 1700 students from Tec Voc and nearby high schools had the opportunity to interact with 250 exhibitors in the 122 booths that were set up. 

The Career Expo helped students explore career paths, engage in conversations and network with industry professionals.  

Sebastian Junio, a Grade 12 student, found the expo incredibly helpful. He said, "The Career Expo has helped me decide what to do after Grade 12. I was able to get a lot of information about internships, summer jobs, and a three-year diploma in electrical engineering from Red River College, which would give me the knowledge and certifications to work as an electrical engineer.”

At Tec-Voc High School, Sebastian has built his career foundation through Electrical Trades Technology. The course has prepared him to learn about the basic concepts of safety, residential electrical construction, and maintenance. He loves working with power and hand tools and designing basic circuits.

For Magellan Aerospace, the Career Expo is a prime opportunity to connect with talented students and tell them how exciting the aerospace industry is.  

Allison Wood, human resources specialist at Magellan, said, “At Magellan, we are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team. We offer three weeks of work experience and hands-on training to the students in the AMMOP (Aerospace Manufacturing & Maintenance Orientation Program) at Tec-Voc. After graduation, we hire many new graduates for full-time permanent jobs as Sheet Metal Mechanics or Composite Fabricators."  

Allison added, "A visitor to our booth had not heard of the AMMOP program. After our discussion, he knows that aerospace companies are looking to fill high-demand positions, and he plans to apply to the AMMOP program."

Magellan Aerospace provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers as well as defence and space agencies worldwide. Its customers include both military and commercial organizations. The company manufactures complex aerospace components such as horizontal stabilizers for the F35 fighter jet, satellites and spacecraft avionics products, Black Brant sounding rockets, Wire Strike Protection Systems® for helicopters, and more.

Many universities, colleges, and government organizations also participated in the career expo. Red River College, the University of Manitoba, the RCMP, Winnipeg Police, the Canadian Armed Forces, Services Canada, Skills Canada Manitoba, the High School Apprenticeship Program, and others had booths to share valuable information about future career options.  

MCpl Kate Ballard, Avionics systems technician, was thrilled to share information about careers at the Canadian Armed Forces. 

"We have a direct entry for certain trained professionals and also for those who have recently graduated from high schools and need hands-on occupation training through military institutions," emphasized Kate. 

"We have programs that include paid tuition, a salary, and a guaranteed job after graduation. I am a Grant Park High School 2010 graduate and excited to guide Winnipeg School Division students and answer their questions about working for the Canadian Armed Forces."

Students and all the exhibitors utilized the full-day event by building connections and engaging in purposeful conversations. 

Tracy Darbyshire, AMMOP and Career Education Coordinator said, "I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their invaluable contribution to the Career Expo's success. It was a remarkable experience for Winnipeg school division students that they will never forget."

"We look forward to the continued partnerships that will bridge education and the community."

The Aerospace Manufacturing and Maintenance Orientation Program (AMMOP) open house is on April 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Tec-Voc High School. For more details, visit the school's website.