The state of the skilled trades sector in Canada – Canadian Metalworking

Apprenticeships up but baby boomer retirements loom

In early June, Skills Canada—a non-profit group that promotes careers in trades and technology—hosted the Skills Canada National Competition. This year’s event, at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, featured exhibitor booths, a closing- day speech by Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and a “Try-a-Trade and Technology” contest. The latter was a hit with the hundreds of young people who attended the National Competition. Boys and girls competed for gold, silver and bronze medals in activities that tested their abilities in robotics, welding, CNC machining, etc.

“We invite students who maybe have never participated in the trades or technology area. Here they have a chance to … build a brick wall or wire a circuit board or something like that. Give them a basic understanding [of skilled trades],” says Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills Canada. Skills Canada also hosts websites, workshops and a National Skilled Trades & Technology week. The aim of such initiatives is to generate interest in trades and technology careers among young people.

Read more: http://www.canadianmetalworking.com/features/state-skilled-trades-sector-canada-105634.html