K.B. Clarke Sponsors Techsploration

November 2006
K.B. Clarke Disaster Kleenup Sponsors Techsploration

K.B. Clarke Disaster Kleenup recognizes the challenge to find quality skilled trades people; an issue resulting from the lure of the "wild west" and a push on a generation advised to seek University degrees. In response to this challenge, K.B. Clarke is helping to address this problem by supporting Techsploration.

Techsploration is a not for profit organization responding to our work force shortages. In operation since 1999 in Nova Scotia, Techsploration's mission is to design programs to increase the number of women working in science, trades, technical, and technology-related occupations by assisting them in exploring a wide range of career options in these fields. The organization is run by a board of directors with representation from its founding sponsor, educators and community members. Participants include:

Nova Scotia Community College
WITT (Women in Trades and Technology
NS Department of Education (Apprenticeship and Skill Development Division)
ExxonMobil Canada
Canadian Forces
Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline
Black & McDonald Ltd.
Anadarko Canada Corporation
EnCana
ChevronTexaco
ACCENT Engineering Consultants Inc.
Dexter Construction Company Ltd.
General Motors
Coastal Oceans Associates Inc.
G. J. Cahill
Jacques Whitford
Halifax International Airport Authority
Association of Professional Engineers of NS
NS Advisory Council on the Status of Women
Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of NS
Statia Terminals Canada Partnership
ElPaso

At a recent event, entitled "Techsploration Goes to School," K.B. Clarke was proud to send carpenter Treena Biddington to demonstrate her skills and tools, promote safety in the work place, as well as provide her audience with information about her exciting and challenging career. It is our hope that by supporting programs like these, students will be encouraged to enter skilled trade programs.

Treena(in white on the right) discusses her brad nailer with a group of Grade 10 students

Whitney, a 2nd year Carpentry student from NSCC working with Treena, watches the students practice using the pneumatic tool