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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-11-21, Page 88 Times—Advocate Technically speaking (NOTE: Technically Speaking is a column that will be a monthly newsletter addressing the requirements and concerns of the technological trades in regards to stu- dent education in the South Huron area. This month's column is written by South Huron District High School Construction Technology teacher Jeff O'Brien.) Students are our future The job of a technical trades teacher at a high school is to get the student prepared for the next stage in his or her life. This stage may include post secondary edu- cation, the apprenticeship route and joining the work force. At the high school level we are seeing more stu- dents choosing a path that includes the skilled trades which is a positive thing for themselves and the econo- my as a whole for the following reasons. The average age of a skilled trades worker in the province of Ontario is between 47 and 55, depending on the specific trade. Baby boomers are now retiring in large numbers and there is a shortage of profession- als to take their place. Statistics claim that 50 per cent of current tradespeople are set to retire in the next seven to 10 years. In the next two decades, 40 per cent of new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technolo- gies. In 1998, that number was less than 20 per cent. Many more people in the skilled trades are retiring than are entering the system. In fact, in Canada the shortfall has been estimated at no fewer than 20,000 unfilled jobs, growing to 50,000 by the year 2010 (Information Technology Association of Canada). The hardest hit industries will be manufacturing, construc- tion, petroleum production and transportation. The opportunities for current students working towards a rewarding career in the technical trades have not been this bankable for decades. The problem is convincing everyone involved that the trades are a viable career choice. This has been a difficult sell to a percentage of students and some of their parents. A great deal of parents aspire that their children will find a more fulfilling vocation than they have and they believe the only avenue to this achievement is through Crime of the month HURON — Huron County Crime Stoppers and the Huron County OPP are asking for assis- tance in solving a pump- kin theft. On Oct. 2, unknown suspects attended a field on several occasions at Crediton Road and London Road, stealing 5,000 pumpkins At $2 per pumpkin, it is estimated that the owner suffered $10,000 in losses. It is believed that entry was gained to the field via the western edge. If you have any infor- mation regarding this crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 1 -800 -222 - TIPS (8477). You will not have to reveal your identity or go to court and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. r Capsule Comments by Ernie Miatello When you are reading labels on a bottle for the amounts of minerals it contains, look for the word 'elemental'. For example, a label may list a calcium content of 1250 mg of calcium carbonate and in brackets it will say "500mg of elemental calcium". That's the number you should use in calculating your daily intake of the mineral. When reading articles about cholesterol and levels of good and bad cholesterols (HDL and LDL(, often the numbers don't make sense. This is because the articles are American and use a different measuring system than the rest of the world. To make a quick conversion from American to our International System, simply divide by 40. That will give you a reasonably close comparison. Dutch researchers recently studied simple exercises people could perform if they were going to faint. For example, clasping your hands across the chest and trying to pull them apart. If you could squeeze a ball or some other object or cross your legs at the ankles while tensing the muscles of the thigh, stomach and buttocks. This muscle -flexing helped to raise blood pressure and get blood to the brain. Fainting is a symptom of something going on in your body. If you experience it often, check with your doctor to determine the cause first. But these exercises can help in a pinch. IJlllhlr is rr 11 Huron Apothecary Ltd. Phone 235-1982, 440 Main St. Exeter A "YOUR HEALTH CARE PHARMACY" dj university. This statement is not true for all types of students since a university degree does not always ensure gainful employment. For example, several thousand Fanshawe College admissions each year are students who have received a degree through a credited university. In considering a career, students and par- ents should learn that a skilled trade is no longer a "dirty" occupation. Technology has created many labour saving innovations that have drastically increased the productivity of a trades- person. A seasoned tradesperson is too valuable to the employer to be utilized in mind numbing and back breaking work. While not for everyone, finding your niche in the skilled trades is an option that should be seriously con- sidered. It is my belief that the majority of students can achieve any goal they choose to pursue if they have the proper work ethic along with a good attitude. Many LET' TEE Wednesday, November 21, 2007 local employers have told me they require similar attributes among their potential hires. Punctuality, constant attendance, problem solving and basic hand skills are the traits that shop teachers try to instill in their students. Generally these attributes will get the student "through the door" where they can begin to expand their experience and knowledge base. We never stop learning, since the acquisition of knowledge is a life long process in our fast paced, technologically advanced world. We are at a time in history where the career destinations for high school students look very promis- ing and as the adage goes "the world is their oyster." It's their time to shuck it. HI7ICRL 5 GFT F(oorsFirst Innovative Flooring * Armstrong Vinyl * Ceramics * Pergo * Carpet * Hardwood * Area Carpets PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATIONS 519-235-4401 457 MAIN ST. S. EXETER www.floorsfirst.com/innovativeflooring Large PARA quantity of In stock" Wallpaper, also 300 sample books to choose from Paint - Sundries - Giftware Exeter Decor Centre 15 GIDLEY ST. EXETER 519-235-1010 (BEHIND BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA) c,Eo Asp rECK Heating & Cooling Limited Gas Furnaces • Fireplaces • BBQ Plumbing • Electrical • Hot Tubs Geothermal Heating & Cooling Hwy 21 & 84, St. Joseph.519-236-4770 Suncoast Mall, Goderich•519-524-4199 1-888-GEO-TECK (436-8325) www.geo-teck.com JEFF O'BRIEN Construction Technology South Huron DHS THE HOME OF THE WEEK HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS SECOND FLOOR PLAN 931 SCT. FT. (66.5 M') THIS DESIGN INCLUDES AN UNFINISHEDEASEMENT MAIN FLOOR PLAN 1238 SQ. FT. (115.0 MV J�N ALL DESIGNS. PLANS AND RENDERINGS 2 COPYRIGHT JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LIMITED WIDTH -35.6" (10.661) DEPTH -51Y-0" (15261) PLAN NO. 7-3-871 TOTAL 2109 Sk. FT, [301.5 M I J JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LIMITED STOREY TWO Plan Number 7-3-871 R CLASSIC TWO-STOREY FOR NARROW LOT Designed specifically for a smaller lot, this classic design includes separa e living and dining rooms as well as an expansive family area—the ideal combination for entertaining at the front of the house and casual day-to-day living at the back. Steps up to a covered porch distinguish the entrance, which leads into a large foyer flanked by the living and dining rooms. Nearby, a coat closet is located next to a powder room. A gas fireplace, coffered ceiling and bayed -out window with an extra -deep sill lend the living room a welcoming ambience where guests and family members alike can relax and socialize before and after dinner. Across the hall, the dining room also boasts a coffered ceiling, as well as a built-in buffet with a window above it. From the dining room, a butler's pantry leads to the kitchen. This passageway is fitted with shelves and cupboards for storing the special -occasion dinner -ware, linens, wine glasses and cutlery. The kitchen itself, a square formed by two L-shaped countertops, contains not only a pantry but a phone desk—two practical luxuries that are sure to please the entire family. Flowing seamlessly from the kitchen is the moming room, where light will flood through a wall of windows and there is access to a covered porch and deck area for al fresco meals in the warmer months. The family room's gas fireplace and entertainment unit add cosiness, as well as usefulness, to a room designed for relaxation. The family room's generous windows look onto the covered porch, sundeck and back garden. Tucked into a corner, the laundry room opens onto the sundeck, as well as the kitchen. Upstairs, the master bedroom—with another coffered ceiling, as well as a window seat—includes an ensuite with double basins, a soaker tub with a tile surround and a separate shower. Part of the stairwell, surrounded by a railing, is open to the floor below. The second and third bedrooms share a three-piece bathroom with a large oval tub. Nearby is the linen closet. A computer area—sure to be well -used by all—occupies the landing between these bedrooms. NExterior finishes include horizontal siding; wooden shingles and decorative vents in the gables; mullioned windows and painted trim. The pillars flanking the front door have stone bases. The home measures 35 feet, 6 inches wide, and 50 feet deep, for a total of 2,169 square feet of living space and an unfinished basement. Plans for design 7-3-871 are available for $666 (set of 5), $751 (set of 8) and $805 for a super set of 10. B.C. residents add 7% Prov. Sales Tax. Also add $25.00 for Priority charge within B.C. or $45.00 outside of B.C. Please add 6% G.S.T. or 14% H.S.T. (where applicable) to both the plan price and Priority charges. Our 39th Edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $13.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheques and money orders payable to "Home Plan of the Week" and mail to HOME PLAN OF THE WEEK c/o.EXETER TIMES ADVOCATE Unit 7,15243 91 Avenue , Surrey, BC V3R 8P8 OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORDER FORM ON: www.jenish.com AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER TO: homeplans@jenish.com MOFFATT&POWEII LUMBER STORE "YOU CAN SHOP WHERE THE BUILDERS BUY" MITCHELL - #8 Highway CALL WAYNE PEARCE 519-348-8437.1-800-663-6977 MON.-FRI.7:30-5:30 SATURDAY 8-5 P.M. HURON CONTRACTORS INC. DESIGN & BUILD 280 Thames Rd. W. P.O. Box 13 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 DEAN DUCHARME Call 519-23S-4726 Fax: 519-235-061 hurcan@ca bletv.on.ca FURNITURE FACELIFTS h FURNITURE REFINISHING WITH PRIDE • finish trim, doors/cupboards, colours to match • antiques & unfinished furniture • hand stripping • hand -rubbed stains • choice of finishes • repairs • pick-up & delivery • free estimates STEPHEN FINKBEINER 519-234-6371 RR#2 Crediton E-mail: furniturefacelifts@sympatico.ca CONSTRUCTION • Houses • Additions • Renovations • Farm Buildings • Siding • Bathroom & Kitchens • Replacement Windows & Doors RAY MILLS 519-228-6704 Fax: 228-7001 Centralia Ont. NOM 1K0 G1 T.N.T. STAND-BY POWER INC. VrJ GENERATORS: PTO, Diesel, Portable SWITCHES: Grade Level, Pole Top, Automatic KILOWATT KING DIESEL CONVERSIONS www.kilowattgenerators.com tntstandby@hccl.net DON TRIEBNER R.R. #1 Exeter, ON NOM 1S4 519-237-3641 Toll Free 866-383-3641 Fax: 519-237-3522 • Cell: 519-871-3641 a EAVESTROUGHING LTD. • Seamless Eavestrough • Soffit • Fascia • Siding • Asphalt • Steel Roofing • Shutters • 40' Boom Truck SINCE 1990 BONDED & INSURED FREE ESTIMATES CALL GERRY 519-228-6295 Fax 519-228-6534 STAN LAKE CEMENT CONTRACTOR • Concrete Forming • Foundations and Floors • Colored & Impressed Concrete • Driveways and Sidewalks R.R. 2 GRAND BEND Dan 519-243-3261 Bruce 519-238-2522 MISRUSCINI `STAMPCRETE DECORATIVE CONCRETE" • Installation • Cement Finishing • Patios • Sidewalks • Driveways • Pools FREE ESTIMATES MOBILE 519-521-3271 SHAWN RAU = JOE RAU BLUEWATER WINDOWS is DOORS Sales • Service • Installation J'vL r•c5roviSTna ©nom � !ME. www.bluewaterwindows.ca e-mail: sales@bluewaterwindaws.ca 394 HURON RD. GODERICH, ON PHONE 519-524-1520 • FAX 519-524-9705 RON/L CAASSHWWAY Hwy. 84, ZURICH Tel: 519.236.4393 265 Main St. N. EXETER Tel: 519.235.2081 Your Project Partner... • Pa'nts • Cedar Lumber • Lumber • Patio Stones • Hardware • Decks • Fences • Kitchen Cabinets • Bath Fixtures J