From the TCDSB: Students in 12 secondary schools within the Toronto Catholic District School Board are using brand new table saws, delivered and installed just in time for the start of the school year.

TCDSB students enrolled in the Construction/Design Technology programs will benefit from the installation of 16 of these top-of-the-line table saws (SawStop TM), which are designed to stop immediately upon contact with skin.

The cost of the saws was paid for through Ministry of Education grants aimed at improving safety for these programs that develop non-traditional skilled trades as a viable post-secondary destination for male and female students. The emphasis is on skill development, industry experiences and certifications, preparing students for the workplace, apprenticeship, college or university.

“When we are able to introduce safer equipment in our schools, we help increase the confidence of the students, while reinforcing the importance of safety,” says TCDSB Director of Education, Angela Gauthier

“This heightened level of safety also encourages parents to allow students to enroll while raising awareness and acceptance of non-traditional skilled trades,” says TCDSB Chair Jo-Ann Davis.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board has approximately 1440 students enrolled in the Construction/Design Technology program in 12 of its secondary schools.