On the road with the SLC Mobile Training Labs! Destination: Kemptville and Cornwall

Submitted by Amy Hamilton, Manager - Skills, Training and Economic Development 
 
The St. Lawrence College (SLC) Mobile Training Lab travelled to Kemptville at the end of March to support the Building Housing Faster and Affordably Using the CMHC Housing Design Event, an initiative focused on tackling housing challenges through innovation and collaboration. 

Hosted by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville, the event brought together representatives from government as well as modern and traditional building communities. Attendees took part in a speaker series that explored new approaches to housing design and construction, including insights of SLC trades opportunities and impact by Dean of Applied Science, Technology and Trades, Daniel Liao. 

The SLC Mobile Training Lab team were onsite to engaged participants with an interactive, hands-on display that sparked strong interest and curiosity. The lab served as a focal point for conversations around skills training, technology, and the future of the skilled trades in addressing housing affordability. 

After wrapping up the Kemptville event on Friday afternoon, the Mobile Training Lab team packed up and headed to Cornwall to prepare for their next stop: the United Counties Science Fair STEM Expo at St. Lawrence Secondary School in Cornwall.  

On Saturday, March 28th, the team was joined by two enthusiastic students from SLC’s Biotechnology program, Haylee Gawryluki-Emond and Olivia Marshall. The students enhanced the display by leading a live DNA extraction demonstration, drawing crowds throughout the day. 

SLC’s tables quickly became one of the most popular stops at the expo, with students surrounding the display as they learned about DNA extraction, made their own custom block prints, and engaged in meaningful conversations about pathways in science and technology. The interactive experience provided a hands-on introduction to biotechnology while highlighting the practical applications of STEM education.  

Together, the back-to-back events showcased the versatility of the SLC Mobile Training Lab and its role in connecting communities, industry, and students through experiential learning and innovation.