This month, Station Stretch and Horizons students had the opportunity to take part in an engaging, hands-on trades exploration workshop led by René Ragetli from the Construction Foundation of British Columbia.

Students enthusiastically participated as René guided them through the process of creating their own copper bracelets. Beginning with raw copper, students sanded the metal smooth before hammering in texture and experimenting with engraving techniques. Many also had the chance to safely use torches to heat the copper, transforming it into stunning shades of orange, gold, blue, and even purple.

It was inspiring to watch students move through each stage of the process, problem-solving, refining their work, and expressing creativity, as they transformed simple materials into meaningful pieces of jewelry, they could proudly wear home. The experience not only introduced students to skilled trades, but also highlighted the creativity, patience, and craftsmanship involved in hands-on work.

A big thank you to René and the Construction Foundation of British Columbia for providing such an engaging and memorable learning experience for our students.