Ontario Construction News staff writer
EllisDon is training the next generation of tradespeople through the STEP To Construction program.
Khate Julie Magne completed the program, working on the Humber Lakeshore Cultural Hub construction project.
“All the trades that I worked with were very friendly… they never made me feel like I wasn’t supposed to be there…they wanted to teach me,” she said.
The acronym STEP To Construction represents the Specialized Trades Exploration Program, which enables students to gain hands-on experience in three to seven skilled trades over a semester. This program offers high school and college credits, and our partnership with it has allowed us to support youth on significant projects by spending one semester mentored by skilled trades and EllisDon employees.
During her placement, Khate worked alongside a diverse group of skilled tradespeople, including labourers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and sheet metal workers.
However, she said it was her experience working alongside Nicholas Parrotta, Senior Superintendent at EllisDon, that truly inspired her. His leadership and expertise left a lasting impression on Khate, igniting a passion within her to pursue a career in the construction industry that emulates his success.
