Windsor students are getting a first-hand look at construction on the Canadian side leading up to the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Students from the Construction Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School and FJ Brennan toured the bridge landing and Canadian port of entry for the new bridge on Wednesday as well as the site of the new city hall.
The locations are two of the biggest sites currently under construction in Windsor.
Mark Butler of the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority says the students are potential future workers for these projects including the multi-million dollar bridge.
“It’s not just building the bridge. There are the buildings around it and other jobs” says Butler.
Lead teacher Cory McAiney says it’s a great lesson for students who have experienced every construction trade in the program – from heating and cooling to masonry and roofing.
The Construction Academy is the only program of its kind in Windsor-Essex, where students can earn their level one apprenticeship certification by the time they graduate from high school.
McAiney says it prepares them for a red-hot job market, where there is a skilled trades shortage.
“We're being contacted every week by employers looking for multiple students to hire” admits McAiney.
Only 20 students were accepted into the Construction Academy this year. But with so much demand, the program will likely expand to 40 or even 60 students next year.
