Tenaris has partnered with Skills Ontario to host 75 indigenous youth for a tour of its pipe manufacturing operations, with hands-on activities, and a chance to meet with experts in the field to help raise awareness of the careers in advanced manufacturing.
First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth got a first-hand look at how Tenaris produces oil country tubular goods (OCTG) for Canada’s energy sector by touring Tenaris’s Sault Ste. Marie Industrial Centre.
Youth from Thessalon First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Serpent River First Nation, and Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation had the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities led by Tenaris’s corporate university, TenarisUniversity, where youth were challenged to manufacture structures using an array of items like popsicle sticks, tape and play doh, with the objective of working as a team to problem solve while working safely.
“Our Trades and Tech Days program connects indigenous youth with mentors in their community and delivers experiential learning opportunities related to skilled trade and technology careers. Out of 700 participants, 90 per cent have reported being more interested in considering a skilled trade or technology career after attending a Skills Ontario Trade and Tech Day event,” said Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Relations at Skills Ontario Ashley Cuglietta. “Skills Ontario is grateful to work with organizations like Tenaris and North Shore Tribal Council who align with the values of our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit program and support these events. Thanks to our partnership with Tenaris and North Shore Tribal Council, Skills Ontario is preparing youth for the highly skilled economy of tomorrow.”
The visit also included a coding demonstration led by Science North, an agency of the Government of
Ontario, bringing their expertise in the field of science education to the mill.
“It is our hope that the youth gained meaningful exposure to the industry by seeing our manufacturing process in action and speaking with members of our team on the shop floor as they define their future career paths. Their participation in exercises that stimulate creativity and collaboration is an impactful way to showcase the opportunities of working at an industrial hub like Tenaris,” said Human Resources Senior Director, Angela Cruickshank.
The event was held in parallel to the Ontario government’s Level Up! Skilled trades fair, where Tenaris representatives were available at the company’s booth to share information about the company and career opportunities.
