Congratulations to OCTE Award Recipients and Partners

Congratulations to Education Operating Partner Award Leader Trent Durocher and Collaborative Award Partner UBC Built on being recognized by the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE). OCTE plays an important role in advancing technological education across Ontario by supporting educators, promoting professional learning, and strengthening opportunities for students in safe, high-quality tech programs.

Trent’s 2026 OCTE Technological Education Leadership Award, along with the Certificate of Recognition presented to the Carpenters’ Regional Council, reflects the strength of collaboration across education, labour, and industry. 

Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) Director Vicki Houston joined the celebration and shared encouraging words recognizing the commitment of technological educators and skilled trades champions across the province. Award Canada Senior Director Laura Briscoe was also grateful to join the evening to celebrate Trent, UBC Built, and the GECDSB team. Under GECDSB’s leadership, strong partnerships have helped create new pathways for students to gain internationally recognized accreditation through hands-on learning.  

GECDSB’s Leadership 

Through the work of Trent Durocher, Justin St. Pierre, and the GECDSB team, a co-curricular approach with Award Canada and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is helping students connect classroom learning, community service, leadership, and skilled trades experiences in meaningful ways. 

That work is also evident in the collaboration between GECDSB, the Enhanced Construction Program, and the Carpenters’ Regional Council Carpenters’ Union Local 494. Together, these partners are helping shape how international accreditation pathways recognize skilled trades experiences and student achievement at the provincial, national, and global levels.

Trent’s participation in the Ontario Education Leadership Gathering further highlighted the reach of this work, with the event bringing together education leaders from across the province alongside The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.  

Ontario Education Leadership Gathering 

It was also wonderful to see UBC Built’s Logan Kane present to accept the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE) Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Carpenters’ Regional Council. This recognition reflects what is possible when educators, leaders, unions, and industry work together to create career-connected pathways for students.

Congratulations to all of the deserving OCTE Award recipients, and especially to Trent Durocher for receiving the Technological Education Leadership Award for the province. 

GECDSB’s partnership with Award Canada and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

 

 

Learn more about GECDSB’s experiential learning partnerships 

Share this...