Encouraging trades as a first option career path in post-pandemic Canada
Trades as a first option career choice
According to a projection done by the Government of Canada, it is estimated that approximately 700,000 trained trades workers will be retiring between 2019-2028. In efforts to prepare for a post-pandemic world and workforce, Canada wishes to highlight the trades as a first option career choice. By increasing investments to make apprentice programs for the trades more accessible, Ottawa hopes to attract a diverse set of skilled workers to apply through the STAR program (Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness).
Funding access to training, career plans & hands on experience
Carla Qualtrough from the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion states, “Canada needs more skilled trades workers. We need more women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, racialized Canadians, LGBTQ2S+ people and other marginalized people to consider a career in the trades, and to have the opportunity to start one. That’s why we’re investing in projects like GRiT (Get Ready in Trades) and other initiatives across Canada that are helping to create a strong, skilled and diverse workforce in the trades”. Minister Qualtrough announced over $33 million over 5 years for the STAR program, $2.8 million of which will be dedicated to GRiT focusing solely on giving the appropriate tools to youth living with disabilities who wish to enter the trades. By funding proper access to training, individualized career plans, hands on experience and skill workshops, GRiT aims to empower those who otherwise would have overlooked the trades.
Tradespeople with the right skills are important for Canada’s recovery post-pandemic
These programs are important now more than ever as Canada tries to rebuild post-pandemic. Cynthia Leach, senior director of economic thought leadership at RBC explains, “The rebuilding that Canada needs to do post-pandemic and to address other priorities like climate change will be built by skilled tradespeople, so skilled tradespeople with the right skills are going to be important for Canada’s recovery”. Encouraging diverse individuals to enter the skilled trades and giving them to tools to succeed plays a pivotal role in adequately building a strong economy for the future of Canada.
