When we say that high school isn’t what it used to be - we’re not kidding! Forget about building cutting boards and side tables, Mr. Carron’s construction class at Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School in Orillia is building full-size log cabins!

The Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) class is “not only learning about large timber construction but also about power tools, foundation layouts, wall systems and the specific electrical layouts that go with a log home,” says Mr. Carron. Students have been building the log or timber buildings as kits, which local builders and contractors buy for re-assembly on client lots. The cabin below was re-assembled by Head Start Construction on a cliff overlooking Lake Simcoe.

The SHSM program is an incredible tool for students to kickstart their post-secondary careers and dive into a trade that can set them up for their future. Mr. Carron has used his extensive experience in furniture building, cabinetry and house framing to develop a course that not only teaches the fundamentals of woodworking, but includes WHMIS and Working at Heights certification. He even commented that many of his past students are now framing houses and have come back to see him for the names of his best students.

We are thrilled that Mr. Carron’s class is demonstrating the amazing success of the SHSM program. So much so, they were featured in Canadian Contractor Magazine (November/December 2016 edition) for their incredible work and talent.

To learn more about the program, visit the Specialist High Skills Major page on the board website.