Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School (AMSS) is inviting students and parents to an open house on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m., showcasing its new Technological Education Hub launching in September 2025. The event will highlight specialized, hands-on programs designed to prepare students for careers in growing industries.
Attendees will be able to tour state-of-the-art classrooms, meet instructors, and learn about the available career-focused courses. The hub will offer training in:
- Construction
- Hairstyling & Aesthetics
- Health & Wellness
- Horticulture & Landscaping
- Hospitality
- Personal Support Worker
- Transportation
The new Technological Education Hub is part of the Lambton Kent District School Board’s (LKDSB) effort to expand hands-on learning opportunities in skilled trades. Starting in September 2025, students in Grades 10-12 will have access to Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) course bundles, allowing them to develop specialized skills in their chosen field while earning industry-recognized certifications.
How the Program Works
- Grade 10 students will take foundational courses, introducing them to at least two career areas.
- Grade 11 and 12 students will enroll in SHSM programs, which include co-op placements and apprenticeships, giving them practical industry experience.
The new facility will feature two greenhouses for horticulture and landscaping, a commercial kitchen, a hairstyling classroom, a construction workshop designed for large-scale projects, and an indoor project-based sandbox. A dedicated academic and clinical space will be available for students in the Personal Support Worker program, with opportunities to earn a Personal Support Worker Certificate before graduation.
Previously, AMSS focused on programming for students with special education needs. With the launch of the Technological Education Hub, the school will now welcome students from all backgrounds, removing the requirement for an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to enroll.
Who Can Apply?
- Grade 10 students must have completed at least 8 credits by September 2025, including core courses like math, English, science, and geography. They must also be committed to enrolling in SHSM in Grade 11.
- Grade 11 and 12 students must meet minimum credit requirements and enroll in SHSM, which includes a minimum two-credit co-op placement.
The open house will provide students and families with a first look at the hub’s facilities and allow them to ask questions about available programs.
Event Details:
What: Technological Education Hub Open House
Where: Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School, Sarnia, ON
When: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Who Should Attend: Prospective students (Grades 10-12) and their families interested in hands-on career training in skilled trades and other industries.
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