Whether it’s changing a tire with an air wrench or creating sparks in a welding booth, thousands of students got hands-on experience at the Skills Canada National Competition – often referred to as the “Olympics of the skilled trades” – held in Toronto this week.
Many students participated in various activities, played games, asked questions to tradespeople, and watched older teens and young adults compete across numerous skilled trades and tech events, from cabinet making to hairstyling.
Fully focused and engaged, the young competitors – each one already a winner back in their home province or territory – were thrilled to display their skills and filled with hope for their futures.
“Without the trades, then we won’t have houses. We won’t have the buildings. We won’t have these lights,” said Jorja Hanson-Lemaigre, a 16-year-old electrical installation competitor from Prince Albert, Sask.
“Trades is what keeps the world going.”
There’s been a noticeable increase in interest within this sector as new apprentice registrations rise alongside government funding aimed at attracting more tradespeople and enhancing their career paths in skilled trades.
However, the journey isn’t always simple. Apprenticeship experts encouraged by this newfound attention are looking for effective decision-making to help transform youthful curiosity into fulfilling careers.
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Canadian Apprenticeship Forum CEO France Daviault says Ottawa’s $6-billion investment announced earlier this spring aimed at enhancing skilled trades is ‘a really good start.’ (Submitted by France Daviault)
You take “a drastic salary cut” when leaving your paid position for eight weeks during mandatory classroom training relying only on employment insurance during that period she added “On top of that there’s tuition fees possibly travel expenses” involved too.
Employers may also discourage staff members from taking time off during busy periods for those training blocks.
How will Liberals tackle labor shortages affecting skillful workers?
The federal government pledges spending approximately $6 billion focusing efforts recruiting training hiring upwards one hundred thousand qualified professionals before decade closes However concerns persist regarding labor gaps needing immediate action What measures exist? Patty Hajdu Canada’s minister jobs families shares insights addressing country’s pressing workforce issues
This initiative will also aid modernizing existing Red Seal framework while expanding updating union-operated instructional centers.
“It’s truly promising start,” stated Daviault expressing excitement surrounding federal certification grants entry level hiring incentives deemed transformative changes enhancing educational experiences available trainees
< img src="Mike Gordon left director Canadian Training UA Michelle Bussey Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency CEO scrutinizing effectiveness new allocations tackling challenges faced aspiring professionals seeking accreditations pathway success Craig Chivers CBC "
No assistance should support initiatives failing land youngsters placements internships expressed Mike Gordon director UA representing plumbers welders HVAC technicians among others emphasizing strong links between investments employment permanent positions rather than temporary ones should form basis strategies moving forward=”There has be direct connection providing sustainable opportunities beyond short term arrangements,” added Gordon supporting tracking progress pre-apprentice stages onwards ensure adequate evaluations results achieved through these systems=”With increasing demands rapidly enhancing workforce Gordon conveyed concern anything jeopardizing quality trainers craftsmanship”=”Learning lessons past mistakes occurred regions shortening timelines negatively impacting successful outcomes isn’t advisable-let’s maintain high standards uphold reputation regarded internationally showcasing excellence professions globally.”
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How apprenticeship works
Canada has over 300 designated skilled trades typically divided into four sectors: construction, transportation, services, and manufacturing and industrial. Among them, 54 are specifically designated as Red Seal credentials that adhere to certain regulations and standards. You don’t need certification for every trade; however, the federal government has indicated that Canada needs more than a quarter million new Red Seal journeypersons (certified tradespeople) over the next ten years. PHOTOS | Young Canadians get hands-on at the Skills Canada National Competition: An apprenticeship involves a work-based training process designed to become a journeyperson lasting between two to five years depending on both trade and region. Apprentices progress through various levels; how many they go through also depends on their specific trade. They must register with an employer, log a predetermined number of working hours under an experienced journeyperson’s supervision while attending scheduled blocks of classroom training. Finally comes a certification exam. While apprentices earn money throughout this process, that final certification is crucial not just for their own career prospects but also for the sector as a whole, according to Michelle Bussey, CEO of Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency who attended the Skills Canada competition in Toronto. “We need more certified people to be able to train the next generation of apprentices as well,” she stated while noting various challenges can complicate the path towards apprenticeship.Main obstacles for apprentices
A stigma still lingers around skilled trades that youth within this sector mention frequently. “We aren’t putting like 50-pound plus objects on our backs anymore.. Technology and tools have evolved,” explained Gabriele Larocque, a Level 2 millwright apprentice from Timmins, Ont., who left university studies after an exciting summer job opened her eyes to trade opportunities. “We’re not at the same place that tradespeople were.” Gabriele Larocque met with federal politicians in Ottawa this week as vice-chair of Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s youth council discussing new funding initiatives aimed at encouraging young people towards trade certifications. (Submitted by Gabriele Larocque) People really need to stop seeing trades education as inferior compared to university degrees emphasized Jacob Murphy from Melfort, Sask., who participated in previous Skills Canada competitions and now works as an industrial engineering technologist. “There’s this idea that if you go university you’ll just find a job afterward. But that’s not always true,” he noted. Around half of those starting apprenticeships across Canada’s trades actually complete them according to France Daviault CEO of Canadian Apprenticeship Forum whose advocacy group collaborates with governments on apprenticeship policy matters. Daviault identified two main hurdles: finding employers willing to accept entry-level apprentices since many are hesitant about doing so along with financial issues faced by apprentices themselves.New funding aimed at overcoming barriers
In recent times provincial efforts have included dual credit options or required courses tailored specifically for high school students seeking careers within these fields More recently provinces committed additional funds towards college programs union-led training initiatives The federal government revealed plans earlier this spring involving $6 billion dedicated resources including monetary incentives directed toward hiring Level One apprentices grants worth $400 weekly offered during classroom instruction periods plus bonuses valued up until $5 thousand upon completion earning Red Seal accreditation WATCH | Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu discusses addressing shortages facing skilled labor
How will Liberals tackle labor shortages affecting skillful workers?
The federal government pledges spending approximately $6 billion focusing efforts recruiting training hiring upwards one hundred thousand qualified professionals before decade closes However concerns persist regarding labor gaps needing immediate action What measures exist? Patty Hajdu Canada’s minister jobs families shares insights addressing country’s pressing workforce issues
This initiative will also aid modernizing existing Red Seal framework while expanding updating union-operated instructional centers.
“It’s truly promising start,” stated Daviault expressing excitement surrounding federal certification grants entry level hiring incentives deemed transformative changes enhancing educational experiences available trainees
Need better coordination accountability
Even though she’s hopeful regarding details emerging thus far stakeholder meetings underway involving federal representatives Daviault expresses desire improved coordination among ministries jurisdictions“There are numerous parties involved needing collaboration.. Provinces territories educational institutions all must be part solution,” she emphasized“We want programs cohesive avoiding fragmentation ensuring coherent approach developing modernized apprenticeship system encompassing everybody.”< img src="Mike Gordon left director Canadian Training UA Michelle Bussey Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency CEO scrutinizing effectiveness new allocations tackling challenges faced aspiring professionals seeking accreditations pathway success Craig Chivers CBC "
No assistance should support initiatives failing land youngsters placements internships expressed Mike Gordon director UA representing plumbers welders HVAC technicians among others emphasizing strong links between investments employment permanent positions rather than temporary ones should form basis strategies moving forward=”There has be direct connection providing sustainable opportunities beyond short term arrangements,” added Gordon supporting tracking progress pre-apprentice stages onwards ensure adequate evaluations results achieved through these systems=”With increasing demands rapidly enhancing workforce Gordon conveyed concern anything jeopardizing quality trainers craftsmanship”=”Learning lessons past mistakes occurred regions shortening timelines negatively impacting successful outcomes isn’t advisable-let’s maintain high standards uphold reputation regarded internationally showcasing excellence professions globally.”
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