Wataynikaneyap Power organized a Powerline Trades Career Exploration Day on Thursday, May 21, hosted at the IHSA training site in Thunder Bay. Trades classes from Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute attended, with 42 students taking part. The event was supported by IHSA, Opiikapawiin Services, PowerTel, Hydro One Remote Communities, Northline Energy Services, Line Crew Ground Support students from another transmission project, and the Lakehead District School Board.

Activities included safety harness training, bucket truck demonstrations, ground-level fuse switching, pole climbing, and a pole-top rescue demonstration delivered by Indigenous apprentices from PowerTel. Students discussed their broader career interests and staff volunteers helped students explore the range of opportunities available beyond a single trade pathway.

Wataynikaneyap Power is majority owned by 24 First Nations – many of whom have community members in Thunder Bay to complete their secondary education. After 25 years of full operations, 24 First Nations will own 100% of the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system (2049). By reaching out to young adults with events such as these, Wataynikaneyap Power’s objective is to support the 2049 Vision, career exploration, encourage engagement in Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programming, and help build awareness of skilled trades opportunities among the future workforce.

Wataynikaneyap Power thanks all the organizations for supporting this successful inaugural event, as well as the students for their enthusiasm. Planning is now underway to explore opportunities for similar events.