The future of Canada’s space industry is getting an early start. Students from York Region District School Board (YRDSB) reached for new heights during Moonshot 4, a series of workshops that let them explore careers in the aerospace industry and emerging technologies.
Organized by Inspire Tech Canada, the event was designed to introduce students to career pathways in the aerospace sector, including rocketry, satellites and rover technologies. Hosted at Canon Canada’s headquarters, Moonshot offers students interactive activities and the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.
“Students who are going to be joining the workforce as highly qualified people are going to need to know about this emerging tech sector. Space is a significant priority for Canada and we’ll be focused on building homegrown technology with events like this,” said Kyle Boyko, President and Board Chair of Inspire Tech.
During one of the workshops offered, students worked in teams on a simulated business development challenge, exploring what it takes to bring an aerospace-related technology from concept to investment. Guided by industry partners, students examined topics such as product development, investment decisions, profit and loss, and long-term sustainability.
“Seeing people who work in this industry and what they do in their daily job, it was really fun and interesting,” said Elizabeth, a Grade 11 student at Woodbridge College who attended the event. “My goal is to become an aerospace engineer eventually. I’m so excited to start this journey of my own but also to meet people who share the same passion as I.”
The experience was offered through the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, which enables students to tailor their high school learning around a specific sector or industry. Career exploration is an important part of the SHSM program, and opportunities like the Moonshot Workshop give students meaningful, hands-on exposure to industries that interest them.
“Really the overarching goal of pathways is to ensure that students all have opportunities whether it’s entrepreneurship, whether it is STEM, wherever that may be, there is an option and there is an opportunity for students to learn more and engage with that outside of the school classroom,” said Antonina Gambino, YRDS Curriculum Consultant.
Every YRDSB secondary school offers at least one of 14 SHSM sectors, including manufacturing and information and communications technology. Across the school board, students can access a wide range of courses and programs that support pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), manufacturing and other in-demand fields.
Watch the video to hear more from students at the event.