High school students from across Niagara will get a hands-on introduction to skilled trades alongside live drag racing Friday, when the NHRA Youth Educational Services Day returns to Toronto Motorsports Park.
Niagara Daily News reported that the event will bring together trades demonstrations, guest speakers, post-secondary institutions and industry professionals, giving students a chance to explore career opportunities while seeing how technical skills are used at the track.
The day is led by the National Hot Rod Association’s educational program and local partners. It combines motorsports with career exploration, with professionals representing dozens of skilled trades taking part.
Conestoga College is among the post-secondary institutions participating. Students will also be able to visit trade-focused booths and take in demonstrations during the day.
Jason Hardie, who works in trades education and is involved in the program, said the event comes as demand for trades workers continues to grow across Ontario, according to the report.
Hardie said the aim is to offer students an engaging, practical experience that introduces them to opportunities they may not previously have considered. Career exploration is paired with a look at the work behind the vehicles competing on the track.
The racing component will include Top Fuel dragsters, jet-powered cars and classic racing machines. Students will have access to live drag racing as well as the education-focused activities.
For Hardie, the races are part of the learning experience rather than a separate entertainment feature. He said the program shows students how skilled trades, mathematics and science work together to get vehicles down the track.
That connection between classroom subjects and motorsports is a focus of the day, alongside the demonstrations and conversations with industry professionals.
The event will start with opening ceremonies in the morning, followed by activities through the day. Students are expected to return to their schools by mid-afternoon.
Many of the participating students will also receive free passes to attend future racing events at Toronto Motorsports Park, according to the report.