Canada encourages Canadians to explore careers in the skilled trades
by CM staff
This campaign supports the efforts of the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy.
OTTAWA — Demographic shifts and high retirement rates are fuelling demand and a growing need to recruit and train thousands more Canadians for careers in the skilled trades.
A series of experiential marketing events will be featured across Canada, including: Ottawa as a first stop, Montréal, Fredericton, Saint John, Toronto and Vancouver.
This new exhibit provides an experience where individuals can learn about different skilled trades careers, find in-demand trades in their province or territory and discover the steps it takes to become a skilled trades worker. The exhibit focuses on creating an in-person and immersive experience.
“Events like these encourage Canadian youth to discover the rewarding careers that exist in the skilled trades and technologies through interactive activities, and help them find their passion,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada. “They also allow us to raise awareness of these important and lucrative careers to our future skilled workforce.”
In Ontario, the construction industry was the second fastest growing industry with 9.2 per cent growth from 2019 to 2022. This industry makes up a large percentage of employment for Red Seal trades in Canada. In the Ottawa region, there are several Red Seal trades that have solid employment outlooks over the 2022–2024 period.
This campaign supports the efforts of the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which aims to support a trades workforce that is skilled, inclusive, certified and productive. As part of the Strategy, the Government invests nearly $1 billion annually in grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, projects, and support for the Red Seal Program.
“Skilled trades workers are the backbone of the Canadian economy. With demographic shifts and high retirement rates, Canada needs more skilled trades workers,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “These good-paying and rewarding careers are an integral part of several industries across the country. Our government continues to raise awareness about the great careers available to young Canadians in trades. We are building a robust and diverse skilled trades workforce now for the economy of the future.”
