Sometimes the best way to explore a future career is to see it in action, especially when it comes to work in the skilled trades. Indigenous youth from across southern Ontario had a first-hand look at the future South Niagara Hospital this month, gaining exposure to careers in the skilled trades during a tour of the active construction site.
EllisDon and Niagara Health hosted youth and staff from the NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training at the construction site on Aug. 19. The group included high school students and young adults up to age 30 from across the Niagara region and as far as Hamilton, Brantford and Kitchener. NPAAMB offers training and employment programs that connect Indigenous youth with career pathways. The tours are designed to support that mission by introducing participants to high-demand trades and connecting them with professionals working in the field.
Students from the NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training take part in a safety training session led by an EllisDon representative inside the construction trailer at the South Niagara Hospital construction site.
The initiative was organized with EllisDon, the construction contractor for the project. Staff gave a presentation to the youth about the different types of trades on the project, then gave an opportunity for them to see those trades up-close with a guided tour of the construction site.
The team explained the many roles involved in building the largest healthcare project in the region. Participants learned about construction project management, structural progress and safety protocols, as well as the installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
“While building the new South Niagara Hospital is an exciting endeavour, what’s truly meaningful is the opportunity to contribute to the Niagara community – supporting the future of healthcare and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals,” said Andrew Anderson, senior vice-president and area manager, Toronto at EllisDon. “As Canada’s premier construction services company, we’re proud to partner with NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training to offer Indigenous youth a behind-the-scenes look at construction on a grand scale. Through this educational experience, we hope to spark interest in the skilled trades and construction services and empower tomorrow’s construction leaders.”
The behind-the-scenes tour left many of the youth impressed by the facility, and inspired to investigate a future in trades.
“I want to work here, and leave my mark at the hospital that will be here for years to come,” said Joe Shawana, one of the youth who participated.
Indigenous youth from NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training tour the South Niagara Hospital construction site with EllisDon staff on Aug. 19.
Today’s tour gave a hopeful vision for Niagara’s healthy future,” said Ben Cullimore, another youth who participated.
Mike Dunford, senior project manager with EllisDon’s Toronto Buildings Group, said the tour also demonstrated how construction and community come together.
“As an industry leader, EllisDon is committed to showcasing the exciting career opportunities the world of construction has in store,” said Dunford. “Students on this tour were able to see not only the complex, diverse and challenging career opportunities that exist on a large-scale construction site, but also how construction and the community really come together to make projects like the South Niagara Hospital possible. The EllisDon team hopes to continue partnering with the NPAAMB and demonstrate to the youth what their future career might look like.”
Andrew Ta, Superintendent from EllisDon explains electrical and structural work to Indigenous youth during a tour of the South Niagara Hospital construction site.
The South Niagara Hospital will be located in Niagara Falls at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads. One of the many highlights of the building will be the Indigenous Healing Space and Garden, co-designed with Indigenous community members to provide a safe and welcoming space for Indigenous people. The building will feature art from Indigenous artists, and incorporate important teachings and stories throughout the facility.
The state-of-the-art South Niagara Hospital is slated to open in 2028. When complete, it will provide advanced healthcare services for communities across Niagara, and will feature Centres of Excellence as the Regional Stroke Centre, Wellness in Aging and Complex Care. More information about the proposed services at the South Niagara Hospital can be found here.
