Trades Exploration Program (T.R.E.X.)

The Trades Exploration Program (TREX) is designed for students between the ages of 16-21 who are interested in an experiential approach to learning and acquiring practical skills for employment. TREX is a practical, hands-on program that combines an opportunity to earn compulsory credits through the STEP program with a shop experience that delivers technology credits focused in the areas of Landscaping, Horticulture, Masonry and Technological Design. Program staff work to provide genuine applications for relevant, practical learning experiences across all areas of the program. Students are further challenged to apply newly acquired skills in a co-operative education work placement. The goal for this program is to provide a contextualized learning experience that engages students in academic-based courses and builds a solid foundation for success in the Trades. Students leaving the program are well equipped to pursue landscaping and/or construction opportunities in apprenticeship programs or in the workplace.

Admission Process:

Students interested in the TREX program must be currently attending a secondary school within the Halton District School Board and must be referred to STEP through their home school. While space remains available, intake is continuous from September to November for semester one and February to April for semester two.

Referrals submitted by the second Monday in June will be considered for a September placement. Referrals submitted after this deadline may still be considered however students should remain registered at their home school. Intake meetings for these cases will be scheduled for late August and/or the first week of September.

The TREX program is currently only available at Gary Allan High School’s Burlington campus.  A maximum of 20 students are enrolled in the TREX program and are supported by a qualified technology teacher.

EXPLORE and MASTER.