Laurier Macdonald Career Centre prepares for May 22 Open House

By Terry Haig

There is lots happening up in St. Leonard these days. Certainly on both campuses of the Laurier Macdonald Career Centre, where some 800 students–ranging in age from 16 to beyond show up on school days for some good old-fashioned hands-on learning.

That’s 3-D learning…not squinting into some hand-held device and working your thumb muscles.

Real hands-on…for the students.

Real hands-on…for staff and teachers.

And guess what? It really works.

Stats show that upon graduation, many students are in demand and get jobs they really want and like.

So yes, the Laurier Macdonald Career Centre is a happening place–day and evening–a hive of activity. People working on electric vehicles at a ground-floor garage as a flood of future hairdressers and aestheticians showcase their learning on clients as they get ready for the industry.

The Centre is part of the EMSB’s highly successful Adult Education and Vocational Services (AEVS) programs.  

Laurier Macdonald’s two campuses (5025 Jean Talon East and 6065 Blvd. des Grandes-Prairies) offer seven programs: aesthetics and hair removal, hairdressing, barbering, automobile mechanics, electric vehicle mechanics, automotive detailing and welding and fitting.

For all concerned, it’s something worth celebrating.

And showcasing.

And that’s exactly what’s about to happen.

The Centre will host an open house at the Blvd. des Grandes-Prairies campus on May 22, from 2 pm to 7 pm. Staff and students will gather with family and friends–and hopefully, lots of visitors–to honour and share the hard work put into this event.

“This event will allow us to showcase the incredible programs offered at our Centre, all the while providing our guests with the chance to admire exotic cars and enjoy some great food and music with family and friends, generously donated by sponsors,” said Ms. Principal Anna Maria Borsellino.  

“We want people to see what we do here,” added Vice-Principal Réal Heppelle.

Mr. Heppelle and his co-vice-principal, Sulaman Khan, are working with Ms. Borsellino, staff members and students to make the open house a real happening event. They want all of the visitors they can get.

“We want the public to realize the type of equipment and facilities we have available,” added Mr. Khan, noting that there will be plenty of hands-on activities per program to explore.

“We pride ourselves as a leader in the Automotive, Welding and Beauty industries thanks, in large part, to our team of dedicated and experienced industry specialists,” said Ms. Borsellino. “All of our programs lead to a Diploma of Vocational Studies or Attestation of Vocational Specialization issued by the Quebec Ministry of Education. We are committed to providing relevant, cutting-edge courses and ensuring a hands-on, accessible, and supporting environment for all of our students. Our priority is and will always be student learning, their growth and their well-being.”

For the second year running, there will be an open house and car show (classic, exotic and brand new), which proved a giant hit last year when some 75 cars were on display.

Students from all seven programs will be on hand to showcase their skills and passion for their chosen trade. 

The entire team at the Laurier Macdonald Career Centre is looking forward to seeing you at their open house on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

Your future starts here!