Calendar
Presentations
PRESENTATIONS FOR STUDENTS: Skills Ontario is thrilled to continue to inspire students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to explore the skilled trades and technologies through informative presentations. Educators can book a presentation for their classroom here. Skills Ontario also offers a First Nations, Métis, and Inuit student-focused presentation.
Presentationseam Bios
Opportunities in the Skilled Trades and Technologies - Elementary & Secondary Editions
Our Program Facilitators present to encourage students to make informed decisions about their future. Since 1998, we have been delivering our presentation What’s Out There in the Skilled Trades and Technologies? to educate students on the hundreds of career opportunities available in the construction, motive power, service, industrial and technology sectors. This interactive, 45-60 minute multimedia presentation is updated annually and is available in both English and French, as well as a workshop format geared towards First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) audiences.
During the presentation, students and teachers have the opportunity to:
Discover the benefits of careers in the skilled trades and technologies- Take a visual tour of the skilled trades and technologies that interest them: with topics such as median salary, description of the role, what qualities, education and training a worker should have; students are encouraged to look for a career that fits their desired lifestyle, personality and interests
- Learn about the steps to apprenticeship, as well as other pathways to a career in the skilled trades
- Find out how to acquire skills and experience
- Understand the importance of employability skills in the workplace and how these skills can easily make or break a job opportunity
- Access further resources and determine how to get started on a path that is right for them
The largest outreach program in our lineup, this program reaches over 125,000 elementary and secondary students per year in schools, and Friendship Centres and Band Offices. In the last decade, we have reached over 1 million youth in Ontario through this program.
Skills Ontario’s presentation program is the perfect complement for all career exploration or development courses.
Meet The Team
Jade Boettcher, Programs Presentation Manager (Maternity Leave)
jboettcher@skillsontario.com
My name is Jade Boettcher and I am the Presentations Program Manager at Skills Ontario. I began my career at Skills Ontario in 2017 where I started out as a Program Facilitator and was promoted to my current role in 2020. I thoroughly enjoy building and leading dynamic teams and am incredibly proud to coach and motivate the Presentations department. I attended the University of Windsor where I completed my Bachelor of Arts as well as my Bachelor of Education. Following graduation, I moved to China where I taught at an International Canadian high school. After making my way back home, I wanted to continue my career in education but not necessarily within a classroom; that is where I found Skills Ontario and I am proud to say I truly believe in the good work that we do!
In my free time I enjoy dancing to a good tune, hiking with my big red Labradoodle, and seeking new adventures with my family.
Azman Branudeen, Program Facilitator
abranudeen@skillsontario.com
I have been with Skills Ontario since October 2022, and immensely enjoy the experience in working with students very much. I am originally from Sri Lanka, a tiny island in South Asia aka The Pearl of the Indian Ocean and my previous work has been in the fields of Education, Finance, and Telecommunication. I love to spend time with my family & friends, to read books, and to go hiking whenever I can find some free time.
Kenman Huynh, Program Facilitator
khuynh@skillsontario.com
Hello! I’m Kenman Huynh, a program facilitator with Skills Ontario. Helping young students discover and pursue careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I’m from the centre of the universe city of Toronto, and I have a passion for public transportation, especially my favourite public transport agency: the Toronto Transit Commission. Despite living in Toronto for all of my life, I still find myself learning new things in Toronto. I love exploring the city by taking the TTC and by cycling, and discovering hidden gems and local delicacies in every neighbourhood I pass through.
Shelley O'Rourke, Program Facilitator
sorourke@skillsontario.com
Hello, my name is Shelley O’Rourke and I am a Program Facilitator in eastern Ontario.
I come from a small village 45 minutes west of Ottawa called Fitzroy Harbour, and I continue to live in the National Capital Region. I love the Ottawa area and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
I grew up around a lot of male tradespeople, my dad was an Elevating Devices Mechanic, my grandfather a Dairy Farmer, and my uncles worked in agriculture and construction. Although I grew up seeing the benefits of working in the skilled trades, I never realized that the trades could be for me, particularly as a woman!
There are so many myths and misconceptions regarding careers in the Skilled Trades & Technologies. I hope to correct the misinformation for today’s youth as they start to think about their future career. I struggled for many years to find my place in the workforce, now that I have found it with Skills Ontario, I am passionate about providing students with the information and tools they need to help them find their own path.
Rachel Howes, Program Facilitator
rhowes@skillsontario.com
My name is Rachel Howes, and I am a Bilingual Program Facilitator for the Ottawa area/Eastern Ontario region. I grew up in Ottawa and did my undergraduate degree at Carleton University. Over the years, I have enjoyed working with youth in many capacities whether it is working at summer camps, as an outdoor educator or as a supply teacher. I believe that while university is a great post-secondary pathway, it is not the right fit for every student. Therefore, one of the things I enjoy most about my job is educating students about the opportunities within the skilled trades and hopefully dispelling any misconceptions surrounding these jobs/this career path. When I’m not working, I love going for long hikes and spending time with friends and family.
Frances Bajdik-Bova, Program Facilitator
fbajdik-bova@skillsontario.com
Hello! My name is Frances and I have been a Program Facilitator at Skills Ontario since 2021. After living and teaching overseas for over a decade, I now enjoy working with students in my hometown, Ottawa. I strive to inspire young people to think critically, to keep an open mind about their future and pursue meaningful work that makes them happy! I have a deep appreciation for the talents and skills of tradespeople (especially as I lack these myself!). I am a proud mom of 3, a huge animal lover and enjoy being active and exploring new places in my free time.
Suzane Peynado, Program Facilitator
speynado@skillsontario.com
My name is Suzane Peynado and I am a Program Facilitator with Skills Ontario. With an educational background is Social Studies and Political Science, I have always been passionate about mending social issues that affect all members of our communities. As being a child from a Skilled Trades family, I understand very well the value these careers can bring to other families, and I am passionate about our mission here at Skills Ontario. As being a product of a generation who knew very little about post-secondary pathways that were available to me, I am very determined to ensure all youth in Ontario know that they have a choice because knowledge is power! On my downtime, I enjoy reading, going on road trips, and most of all spending time with my family and friends.
S
ebastian Roch, Bilingual Program Facilitator
sroch@skillsontario.com
Hello, my name is Sebastian Amara Roch. But most people just refer to me as Seb. Being born in Guelph I spent most of my childhood in an African country called Togo where I learned to speak French. By the age of six, I moved back to Canada where I stayed in Guelph. Having many close relatives with a background in education, it felt natural that I would find myself in the education sector hence why I am now a Program facilitator for Skills Ontario.
On my off time, I enjoy playing a video game called Destiny 2 and using my thousands of in-game hours to lead new players into completing end-game activities in what is called a “sherpa run” as I would be the only person with the experience to lead the team to completing the activity. Though this might be challenging for many reasons, my ability to teach and orient five inexperienced strangers into completing multiple diverse team-based puzzles has taught me patience, problem-solving, explaining skills, adaptability, perseverance, and how to play to everyone’s strengths.
I would like to conclude with a quote that throughout my life, has stuck with me and pushed me to strive for success.
“Fight or be forgotten.”
- Aatrox
Prashant Teki, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
pteki@skillsontario.com
Prashant E Teki is a dynamic individual with a passion for the skill ecosystem and a love for all things automotive. With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team at Skills Ontario.
As an accomplished rally driver, Prashant thrives on the exhilaration of speed, precision, and determination. This same drive and focus extend to their professional endeavors, where they constantly seek to enhance their skills and stay ahead of the curve.
Prashant's last name, Teki, seems to hint at their natural affinity for technology. This connection has proven to be true, as they possess a genuine aptitude for all things tech related. Their passion for technology complements their expertise in the skill ecosystem, allowing them to leverage digital tools and platforms effectively.
While Prashant is highly skilled in their current field, they also have a deep appreciation for the trades. Recognizing the value of practical skills, they are on a personal journey to learn and expand their knowledge in various trades. This commitment to continuous learning demonstrates their versatility and eagerness to acquire new skills.
At Skills Ontario, we are fortunate to have Prashant as a valuable member of our team. Their extensive experience in the skill ecosystem, coupled with their passion for cars, bikes, and technology, brings a unique perspective to our organization. Their dedication to personal growth and their desire to explore the trades make them versatile and adaptable professional.
Kaitlyn Michener, Program Facilitator
kmichener@skillsontario.com
My name is Kaitlyn Michener and I am a Program Facilitator with Skills Ontario. I am from the Niagara Region and attended Brock University for undergraduate and graduate studies. With a master’s degree in Child and Youth Studies, I am passionate about youth engagement and love working with students to help them achieve their goals. As a Program Facilitator, I aim to inspire youth to consider a career in the skilled trades and inform them about all the exciting and rewarding career opportunities. In my spare time, you’ll find me reading, spending time with my family and exploring new places!
Jessica Amlin, Program Facilitator
jamlin@skillsontario.com
My name is Jessica, and I am a Program Facilitator for the Windsor-Essex and Lambton-Kent regions. I was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario but spent about 10 years living in the Eastern Ontario region. I completed my Welding and Fabrication Technician Diploma at Loyalist College in 2018 and went on to work in industry as a welder for 4 years before moving back to Windsor. In 2023, I graduated from the University of Windsor with my Bachelor of Education in Tech Studies, and that is where my passion for promoting the trades began! I often draw from my own personal experience in the trades and have lots of great stories to tell. As a woman with experience in the trades, I am especially passionate about dispelling the myths and misconceptions that sometimes keep other women and girls from pursuing these careers, and love that my whole job is to promote these amazing career pathways to the next generation!
Stephanie Zsolnay, Program Facilitator
szsolnay@skillsontario.com
My name is Stephanie, and I’m a Program Facilitator with Skills Ontario. With a background in education and environmental studies, I’ve spent the last 12 years working with youth in a variety of roles, including as an environmental educator and summer camp director. My passion lies in guiding young people toward their goals, helping them take on challenges, and introducing them to opportunities in the skilled trades that they may not have considered before. I believe strongly in empowering youth and inspiring them to explore new paths for their futures.
Outside of work, you’ll find me enjoying the great outdoors. I love camping, hiking, and exploring the natural world around us. It’s my way of recharging and staying connected to the environment I’m so passionate about.
Student Worksheets
French Presentation
Skills Ontario offers this presentation in French, too. The French presentation is available province-wide.
FNMI-focused Presentations
Skills Ontario delivers a version of its presentation program geared toward FNMI students and under-employed adults living in Ontario. Delivered in schools and friendship centres, the presentation includes information that is culturally relevant to FNMI Communities and includes a hands-on activity. It is available province-wide.
Skills Ontario has developed its First Nations, Métis, and Inuit student-focused presentation to be offered virtually.
Visit our FNMI Programming Page
