Steel shutdown: The next generation of workers

Reports of the total demise of jobs in Hamiltons steel industry have been greatly exaggerated.

In fact, Hamilton's ArcelorMittal Dofasco says its looking to hire more than 1,000 workers over the next three to five years, and will likely be looking for more new talentasBaby Boomers continue to leave the workforce.

• Related:Steel Shutdown: Why steel offers workers a bright future

On Wednesday, just more than 100 Grade 9 students with a parents who work at the Hamilton manufacturing giant got a preview of what opportunities might await them should choose to pursue a career in steel. Participating in the provinces Take Your Kid to Work Day, the teens got to shadow mum or dad, tour the facilities,and ask what type of education they would need for a job in the industry.

CBC Hamilton talked to two of the youngstersand their moms about the experience. Heres what they had to say:

Christopher Pappin, Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, Ancaster

Parent: Angela Pappin, General manager of metallurgy, quality and new product development

Whats it like for you, Angela, to get to take your son to work today?

Angela Pappin: Its been an exciting to share my experiences with my son, for him to see the steel mill, but also to see the day-to-day of what I have to do to attend meetings and interact with a lot of people to solve problems.

What was the highlight of your day, Christopher?

Christoper Pappin: Probably the steel-making. It was really interesting to see how they do it. And also the blast furnaces.

Has this experience influenced your future career plans?

Now I really want to go into engineering or something like that because my moms in it.

Julia Barnes-James, Aldershot High School, Burlington

Parent:Carolyn Barnes, environmental manager

Whats it like for you, Carolyn, to get to take Julia to work today?

I really enjoyed the experience. Ialso liked the 100th anniversary experience because we got to have a tour inside the plant. I work inside the plant gate, and I couldnt normally bring Juliainto the office. So I really enjoyed giving her the opportunity to come into my office and meet my coworkers and see part of the plant. It was great.

Has today changed your impression of the environment in which your mother works?

The actual environment that she works in is an office. But touring the plant and the rest of the factory was really interesting. And I got to see more about what she does amounts to and less of what she actually does.

Has this experience influenced your future career plans?

I dont really know what I want to do in the future.But this company would have a lot of good opportunities for me because I am most interested in the subjects of math and science

What was the most exciting thing you experienced today?

The most exciting thing was the really huge machinery and lots of molten steel. But I think its whats behind those giant pots of molten steel that is really important.

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.