Approximately 100 high school students in London gained practical construction experience this week by assisting in the city’s efforts to address homelessness. Over a span of three days, students from various high schools collaborated with Fanshawe College’s construction engineering technology program to construct three temporary shelters. The Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board, and London Christian High School students worked alongside Fanshawe instructors and the London and District Construction Association (LDCA) at the Level Up! Career Fair.
Guided by Fanshawe instructors, the students worked on the eight by 12 foot shelters, completing tasks ranging from framing and siding to electrical work and flooring. Mike Carter from LDCA noted the students’ dedication, with many staying late on the first day and arriving early the following day to finish the project swiftly. The shelters were assembled at the J-AAR Expo Centre, previously known as the Agriplex, located at the Western Fair District.
The shelters, designed for temporary emergency housing during the winter, will feature heat pumps, LED lighting, and space-efficient murphy beds. This initiative not only provided hands-on experience for students interested in construction but also showcased their commitment to community service. The project allowed students, including those already pursuing construction studies, to gain valuable insight into working on-site before considering further education in trade schools.
Among the participants was Kayla Taff, a Grade 12 student at A.B. Lucas Secondary School, who found the experience enjoyable and confidence-boosting. Marcus Hayward, another student, expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the construction of shelters for those in need. The specific organization that will utilize the shelters remains undecided, as in the previous year when shelters were provided to Oneida Nation of The Thames.