A new era of hands-on learning in skilled trades education has arrived at in Burlington.
On Friday, November 7, Grades 11 and 12 students, staff, MPP Natalie Pierre, board representatives, and partners from and Enercare gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new HVAC Training Lab; designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
A Partnership Built for Student Success
The new lab is the result of a joint venture with Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academy, offering students access to industry-grade equipment and training that supports G3/G2 Gas Licensing, Manufacturing SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major), and Landscape鈥揅onstruction SHSM programs.
Guests celebrated the milestone with student demonstrations, educators sharing hands-on insights from the field, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, showcasing how this dynamic learning space is shaping the next generation of trades professionals.
The event drew media attention, with CHCH News visiting the school to feature the HVAC Training Lab and Notre Dame鈥檚 students and staff. The story aired on CHCH鈥檚 6 o鈥檆lock news, sharing this inspiring launch with the broader community.
鈥淎 Mini School Within a School鈥�
鈥淲e offer a mini school within a school,鈥� said Al Nason, Construction and Home Building and OYAP Lead Teacher at Notre Dame. 鈥淲e have four different areas of focus running concurrently, so through Manufacturing, students can learn hands-on skills such as pipe threading and cutting. Students also learn the practical hands-on skills for HVAC, which includes plumbing and mechanical. And the Grade 12 Physics class can learn the theory behind the whole HVAC system, as well as circuitry in the process.鈥�
Looking ahead, students graduating in June 2026 will have the opportunity to complete a 17-week certification course through Notre Dame and Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academy, earning the equivalent of a two-year college diploma between August and December. Graduates will be fully certified and prepared to enter the workforce with employers such as Enercare, equipped with the skills and experience to succeed.
Cross-Curricular Learning
鈥淪tudents are able to utilize this space and learn about the cross-curricular connections to HVAC and the skilled trades associated with it,鈥� explained Jake Coleiro, Notre Dame Technological Education Teacher. 鈥淚n our Technological Education department, it’s all about gaining experience. And with that comes working collaboratively with other departments in our school 鈥� Math, Science, English, the Humanities 鈥� to work on these cross-collaborative projects together. It鈥檚 all about how we can best prepare students for their future in meaningful ways.鈥�
Empowering Future Skilled Trades Professionals
The HVAC Training Lab stands as a powerful example of innovation in Catholic education 鈥� combining faith, learning, and real-world experience to help students discover their fullest potential.
By creating opportunities for students to gain industry-recognized skills and certifications, Notre Dame is helping to meet the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in Ontario, while empowering students to achieve success in pathways that are both meaningful and practical!
