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Ruth Bonneville Free Press Biz Student Trade Expo Erik Kopp a grade twelve student from William Morton Collegiate Institute (front left) and Khloe Schlag, a grade nine student from Collège Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau, learn to climb a telephone pole using spikes and belts through the guidance of Manitoba Hydro while attending the trade expo Wednesday TRADE EXPO: More than 1,200 high school students got the opportunity to try out construction trades through the Manitoba Construction Career Expo at Red River Exhibition Place Wednesday. Trades ranged from front-end loader simulators and specialized utility trades as students had the chance to try pole climbing under the guidance of Manitoba Hydro experts. Manitoba Hydro also provided access to bucket trucks, articulated lifts, and scissor lifts for students to experience work-at-height scenarios. The Expo organized by the Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) for more than fifteen years, shows students what a career in the trades can look like. See story by Malak May 6th, 2026