Enhanced Construction and Aviation Students Embark on a Transformative Pilot Project

On Wednesday, February 5th, Enhanced Construction Program (ECP) students at the Local Carpenters Union and aviation students at Sandwich Secondary School received an exciting announcement—they are part of a unique pilot program featuring Award Canada, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada for students. This remarkable opportunity sets them on a journey of personal growth, skill development, and community engagement, further enhancing their experiential learning within their respective programs.

A Semester of Skill-Building and Community Impact

Under the guidance of Justin St. Pierre, Teacher Consultant SHSM, and Trent Durocher, OYAP/SHSM Programming Support, students will spend this semester setting SMART goals, reflecting on their experiences, and applying their skills in both the classroom and the community.

One key service project for the Enhanced Construction Students will be completing the deck at John Freeman Walls Historic Homestead, picking up where previous students left off. This hands-on opportunity allows them to leave a lasting mark on the community while building valuable skills that will serve them in their future careers.

Adventurous Journeys: Planning Beyond the Classroom

Another aspect of the program that has students excited is the Adventurous Journey component. This challenge encourages them to plan a night away in Ontario, integrating teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. As soon as they heard about this opportunity, students enthusiastically began brainstorming potential destinations, activities, and even meal planning—demonstrating their eagerness to take charge of their learning experience.

What is The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a globally recognized framework designed to help young people develop life skills that will prepare them for the future. Through commitment, perseverance, and a spirit of adventure, participants gain valuable experiences that enhance their academic, personal, and professional lives.

As participants in the Award, students will:

• Set SMART goals and track their progress with personal reflections.
• Make a positive impact in their community through volunteer service.
• Learn practical and social skills that are essential for career development.
• Take on the challenge of an Adventurous Journey with their peers.
• Connect with other Award participants both locally and internationally.

Why This Matters for Students

According to Award Canada, this program is more than just an accolade—it’s an investment in a young person’s future. It enhances post-secondary applications, scholarships, and job prospects, making students stand out in competitive academic and career landscapes.

A message from the Vicki Houston, Director of Education highlights the impact of this initiative:

"Imagine earning a prestigious, internationally recognized accreditation while diving into exciting activities that you love. You’ll get to choose your own adventures, set personal goals, and gain additional SHSM certifications along the way. Aligning with GECDSB’s strategic priorities in building confident learners, this program ensures that students' experiences in the classroom will have lifelong positive impacts in their careers and lives."

Additionally, Laura Briscoe, Award Canada Education Consultant, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative:

"Award Canada is thrilled to partner with Greater Essex County District School Board to celebrate experiential approaches to learning, deepen student engagement and reflection, and honour the meaningful work happening in Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship (OYAP) programs."

With both SHSM and the Award on their resumes, these students will develop essential skills like problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. They’ll also gain access to a global network of alumni, receive personalized feedback from mentors, and build a future full of opportunities.