Demand for skilled trades workers continues to soar in Ontario and Niagara offering ample opportunity young people to build a rewarding career for life.
Our partners at the City of Welland and the Niagara Catholic District School Board joined forces to put on the second annual skilled trades promotion night, an event aimed at inspiring youth to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Help us spread the word for the event, Live the Skilled Life, on Thursday, February 1 at Denis Morris Catholic High School from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Lived the Skilled Life event serves as an excellent platform for industry professionals, educators, and students to engage in meaningful conversations about the myriad of opportunities within the skilled trades sector. Students can learn how the trades and apprenticeship pathway can be a great choice from industry and government partners and speak to company, union and agency representatives about the options available for their future. The event will also feature food stations and prize giveaways.
Talent and workforce challenges are among the most significant issues facing all industries. For the first time in history Canadians nearing retirement outnumber young people entering the workforce. In Ontario, at least one in three workers with an apprenticeship or trade certificate is aged 55 or over and nearing retirement and its projected approximately one in five job openings will be in skilled trades-related fields by 2026. In the construction sector alone, 72,000 new workers are needed by 2027 to fill open positions because of retirements and expected job growth.
Cities need to have a large, skilled workforce to remain competitive. While our community's large and skilled workforce remains one of St. Catharines’ core strengths, TeamSTC takes a strategic approach through forging partnerships and collaborative efforts with neighboring municipalities, such as the skilled trades promotion event, to not only enhance its own talent pool but contribute to the economic vitality of the Niagara Region.
Interested in hiring an apprentice?
In addition to creating more pathways for people to pursue careers in skilled trades, there are many benefits for employers hiring apprentices, including financial incentives such as grants and federal tax credits. Visit the province’s Apprenticeship in Ontario webpage to learn more about hiring an apprentice and other resources.
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