Presented by: Keith Edwards, Edwards Technical Consulting and a Panel of Skilled Trades Professionals
This interactive workshop brings together a panel of skilled trades professionals representing multiple sectors to share insights into their careers, training pathways, and day-to-day work. Following the panel discussion, participants will engage in a hands-on build experience using a variety of tools and materials, allowing them to apply trade-related skills in a practical setting. The session is designed to connect real-world industry knowledge with experiential learning, highlight diverse career opportunities in the skilled trades, and support informed pathway planning for students and educators alike.
This is Part A of a 2 part workshop. Registrants MUST also register for Part B, workshop G1
Presented by: Chris Tucker, York Region DSB and Lucas Chang, Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs
This workshop will provide actionable tools for teachers interested in partnering with a business or non-profit to present a hands-on problem-solving event. The facilitators will share a sample agenda, tips for approaching industry partners, and examples of where industry-education partnerships have succeeded - including in manufacturing, construction, and operations.
Presented by: Derek Murphy, Studica
Ready for your students to be engaged, to explore, and experience “aha” moments? Let's see how we can teach with Lego Education Science and Technology.
LEGO® Education Science and Technology helps students explore scientific concepts through over 120 easy-to-use, adaptable lessons, all aligned to the curriculum. Drive learning outcomes in science and technology with engaging, hands-on activities that build understanding and boost confidence — because science and technology is for everyone.
In this session you will experience our learning solutions for yourself, so you can understand first-hand how purposeful play can help your students thrive in school and in life.
Présenté par: Antoine Labbé, CSC Providence
Les participantes et participants découvriront des nouveaux projets et des pratiques visant à accroître la sensibilisation des élèves et de leurs familles aux carrières en métiers spécialisés, notamment par des occasions d’apprentissage offertes au-delà de la journée scolaire. La session mettra également en lumière des approches pédagogiques inclusives, telles que l’intégration de l’éducation autochtone dans les cours de technologie, à travers l’exemple d’un projet d’apprentissage en plein air réalisé avec des élèves du cours TAS.
Les participants repartiront avec des idées concrètes pour créer des expériences accueillantes et inclusives, renforcer les liens entre les élèves, les familles et les partenaires communautaires, et soutenir le développement des programmes de métiers spécialisés.
Presented by: Jessica Chateauvert and Jodi Froud, Avon Maitland DSB
Discover creative and practical ways to showcase OYAP, SHSM, Co-op, and Tech Ed programs through effective marketing and purposeful swag. This session explores how educators can work collaboratively across departments to create thoughtful design, consistent messaging, and strategic distribution of branded materials that strengthen program visibility, build community connections, and engage both students, educators and families. Participants will learn how to use programming and events to build interest and awareness from grade 6 through graduation—creating a consistent message that celebrates opportunities in the skilled trades. Leave with actionable ideas to design engaging materials, plan meaningful campaigns, and maximize your marketing efforts while staying on budget.
Presented by: Sara Ewanchuk and Lee Ann Armstrong, Hamilton-Wentworth DSB
This workshop is an invitation to unpack a variety of Indigenous pedagogies for the classroom and how they parallel the Engineering Design Process. Using frameworks like the First Peoples Principles of Learning, we will explore practical action items and ways to incorporate this approach into your own practice. We will also take a focused look at the fundamental understandings of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum to build out tech education connections that centre environmental problem-solving, using technology for future generations, sustainability and stewardship.
Presented by: Brent Coakwell, Halton DSB
This workshop empowers Ontario Technology Education teachers with the tools and language needed to effectively advocate for their programs with school and system leaders. Participants will learn how to frame technology education priorities using Ministry of Education language, policy connections, and board-aligned goals to clearly demonstrate program value and impact. The session will focus on strategic communication with principals, senior administration, and trustees—highlighting how tech education supports student achievement.
Facilitated by: Kevin Lee, LeeVerage Integration Inc.
This workshop introduces participants to Generative Design and AI-driven problem solving within Fusion. Attendees will learn how to design an authentic manufacturing challenge and explore multiple design and production solutions based on material, performance, and manufacturing constraints. The session emphasizes how AI-supported design thinking mirrors modern industry practices and supports innovation, critical thinking, and career readiness in technology education.
Presented by: Furheen Qureshi, Peel DSB
In this interactive 60-minute session, educators explore how AI tools can be used responsibly and critically in classrooms. Participants will experience AI-generated content firsthand, examine issues of bias and representation, and learn simple strategies to guide students in questioning AI outputs. They will also design a classroom-ready activity that integrates AI while applying an equity and culturally responsive lens, connecting to curriculum expectations, experiential learning, and future-ready skills in STEM and technology education.
Note: Participants should bring a device (laptop, Chromebook, or iPad) to actively participate in the hands-on resource creation.
Presented by: Melissa Oliver, Simcoe County DSB
Unleash Canva’s AI power! Learn how to use bulk fill info to create a design. Create class sets in minutes, translate worksheets, auto animate in one click, single prompt slideshows and then convert them into posters, infographics or flashcards. Canva has a lot of power. Let me show you the magic.
Empower your tech classroom! In this hands-on session, educators design their own AI-powered learning activities, addressing real-world challenges while highlighting representation, cultural responsiveness, and underrepresented voices. Participants critically examine AI outputs for gaps or bias, iterating solutions to leave with inclusive, innovative, and classroom-ready technology projects.
Presented by: Daniele Ferro, NextStar Energy
This exclusive teacher tour of NextStar Energy in Windsor offers educators a behind-the-scenes look at one of Canada’s most significant clean-technology and advanced manufacturing projects. Participants will explore how electric vehicle battery cells are produced and learn about the innovative technologies, safety systems, and sustainability practices driving the facility. The tour will highlight a wide range of careers and pathways connected to the operation—including skilled trades, engineering, automation, quality control, environmental science, logistics, and business roles. Educators will gain valuable insights into workforce needs, apprenticeship and post-secondary pathways, and real-world curriculum connections to STEM, technology education, and green energy, supporting informed career conversations with students.
Specific Details related to Transportation Time, Security Clearances and PPE are in progress.
This is Part A of a 2 part tour. Registrants MUST also register for Part B, workshop G11
Presented by: Tal Czudner, Windsor Detroit Borderlink Limited and Windsor Detroit Tunnel
F12: BENEATH THE BORDER: INSIDE THE WINDSOR-DETROIT TUNNEL - TOUR 2 - Part B
Tour departure is at 12:45 pm and returns at 2:45. Participants will eat lunch in Augustus prior to this tour. This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour offers participants a rare opportunity to explore one of Canada’s most significant pieces of cross-border infrastructure. Attendees will learn about the history of the Windsor–Detroit Tunnel, its role in international trade and transportation, and the political and financial considerations involved in operating a bi-national asset. The tour will provide insight into security protocols, day-to-day operations, and the behind-the-scenes work of administrative staff who keep the tunnel running smoothly. Participants will also explore the maintenance operations, including specialized vehicles, HVAC and ventilation systems, and key infrastructure components within the tunnel itself. Career pathways related to engineering, skilled trades, technology, public administration, and infrastructure management will be highlighted throughout the experience.
Please note that participants of this tour MUST be physically fit, flexible, comfortable climbing and going into confined spaces. Proper footwear is required.
This is Part B of a 2 part tour. Registrants MUST also register for Part A, workshop E12
Presented by: Larry Koscielski and Darryl Beneteau, CenterLine Limited
Step inside one of Canada’s most advanced automation campuses. This 90-minute tour showcases two of CenterLine’s major facilities—part of a 500,000 sq. ft. operation where engineering, robotics, and manufacturing excellence come together. The experience begins with an exclusive talk from COO Darryl Beneteau, highlighting CenterLine’s history, family leadership legacy, and strong dedication to STEM pathways. Discover how innovation happens up close and how industry and education connect in meaningful ways.
Closed toed shoes are required. Safety Glasses will be provided.
This is Part B of a 2 part tour. Registrants MUST also register for Part A, workshop E13
Presented by: Veronica Kleinsmith, Halton DSB, Jody Jakubo, Rainbow DSB, and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
Explore the heart of Windsor–Essex through an interactive, educator-focused scavenger hunt centered around the Caesars Windsor district. Designed specifically for Ontario educators, this hands-on experience highlights key local attractions while uncovering the role of technology in tourism, infrastructure, entertainment, and community development.
Participants will navigate landmark sites near the waterfront and downtown core, engaging in challenges that connect real-world technology applications to curriculum areas such as STEM, Skilled Trades, Hospitality & Tourism, Business, and Geographic Literacy. From digital wayfinding and security systems to event technology and smart infrastructure, educators will gain practical insights and classroom-ready ideas that link place-based learning with career pathways.
This collaborative workshop encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and observation, while showcasing how local environments can become powerful learning spaces for students across multiple grades and subject areas.
This is Part A of a 2 part workshop. Registrants MUST also register for Part B, workshop G12
Presented by: Trent Durocher and Chris Gosselin, Greater Essex County DSB
This tour will highlight the unique partnership between the GECDSB and UBC Local 494, which has been running for 5 years. Participants will get to tour the facility where Grade 11 and 12 students learn in a Union Training Centre with GECDSB Construction, Math and English teachers. Participants will have an opportunity to do hands-on activities related to General Carpentry (403A) and Drywall, Acoustic & Lathing Applicator (451A) led by our instructor and current ECP students. Program facilitators from both the GECDSB and UBC will be on hand to answer logistical questions about the start-up and delivery of the program.
Specific Details related to Transportation Time, Security Clearances and PPE are in progress.
This is Part A of a 2 part tour. Registrants MUST also register for Part B, workshop G15