Sparks fly at TRU summer welding camp that teaches kids the trick of the trade

KAMLOOPS — A welding camp hosted at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is setting up the next generation of trades workers.

The Arx and Sparx Welding Camp, which ran from Monday (July 18) to Friday (July 22) lets children and teens try their hand at the art of welding. Participants learn from trained professionals and learn the trick of the trade.

“[It’s] to learn how to weld with the freedom to be creative. It gives the young students an opportunity to be in an environment where they would never ever go,” says Jim Mccarthy, Welding Instructor.

Using the skills learned in the camp, the kids are prepared for the future through trades.

“This welding camp here is so much fun, I had so much fun,” says a participant.

“If you have never welded before you need to try it, it’s super fun you should always go for new things and just try your best,” another participant added.

Throughout the week, participants get to try gas metal arc welding while making creative projects.

Jazmine Saunders is happy she attended the camp and wants other girls like her to think about trades.

“Going into this, it was really hard. Especially being a girl and growing up knowing that most jobs in the trades are meant for guys and trying to get over that stereotype was a lot harder,” she said.

“I do really want to encourage girls or teens that want to get into this, to actually go into it because you never know until you try!”

The youth Arx and Sparx camp introduces welding and shows the impact it has on their everyday lives.

“It’s an incredible program, it’s funded, and the skills these kids learn are second to none. They’ve changed their lives, they’re not in fear of anything we do here and they have a lot of fun,” Mccarthy adds.