The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Skilled tradespeople play an important role in Canada's economy and society. However, a negative perception exists among youth and their influencers towards careers in skilled trades in Canada. In a recent survey, nearly half (42 per cent) of Canada's youth claim that they are unlikely to consider a career in the skilled trades and for 67 per cent of youth and 55 per cent of adults, university is the first choice post-secondary option. This negative attitude, compounded by the expected retirement of many tradespeople within the next few decades and the declining birth rates within Canada, will lead to a skilled tradespeople shortage if not addressed immediately. To increase the awareness of skilled trades as a first-choice career option, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum - Forum canadien sur l'apprentissage (CAF-FCA) and Skills/Compétences Canada (S/CC) have joined forces to develop a national, multi-faceted campaign entitled "Skilled Trades: A Career You Can Build On". The launch of this campaign was held recently in Woodbridge, Ontario. "We are very excited to launch this campaign as we recognize the urgency of making young people, and their parents, more aware of the benefits of choosing a career in the trades. Deciding to enter a skilled trade can lead young people into rewarding and satisfying careers that will serve them well throughout their lives," says Keith Lancastle, Executive Director of CAF-FCA. "We are proud to be one of the contributing partners in this important national initiative." The campaign has two important objectives: to change the negative perception of careers in skilled trades that exists among youth, parents and educators; and to encourage employers to hire and retain more apprentices. The campaign is being funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program, through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and will cost approximately $12 million over three years. The campaign will feature television, radio, cinema and print ads in both English and French that will commence in mid-September across Canada. Employers will also be specifically targeted due to their importance in providing apprenticeship training opportunities. In order to reach employers effectively, they will be presented with specific information that outlines the business benefits, the processes in hiring apprentices, and the reality that hiring apprenticeships is a long-term investment in their businesses' future profitability. "Convincing more employers to hire and retain apprentices is a critical factor in the success of this campaign as well as the future supply of certified tradespeople. For most trades, 80 per cent of the training is conducted on-the-job, with the experienced guidance and mentoring of journeypersons," says Keith Lancastle of CAF-FCA.9/24/2004
