Get info, make connections at trades show

Get info, make connections at trades show

Regional News

An excellent corporate culture, the chance to put skills to good use and the opportunity to learn on the job are the three top drivers of job satisfaction, says a 2007 study conducted by Internet recruiter and job search engine Workopolis. A career in the skilled trades can offer all these plus good wages, personal satisfaction and challenge in a high demand field. So why is the labour pool drying up?  

Every year, the York South Simcoe Training and Adjustment Board (YSSTAB), in consultation with community and business organizations, produces a report identifying trends, priorities and opportunities in the local labour market.

Last year’s report pointed to a “lack of people in and entering the skills trades is a trend in York Region,” said Tina Stevens, project manager with the organization.

The issue is not unique to York Region, as study after study in recent years has pointed to a looming nationwide crisis - an estimated shortage of 1 million skilled workers by 2020.

The workforce is aging and many skilled workers are set to retire in the next decade. Young people – many of whom have a misguided perception of skilled trades as back-breaking, low-paying, mind-numbing jobs – are not stepping up in sufficient numbers to fill the vacancies.

To address this worrisome trend on a local level, representatives with the YSSTAB decided to work with local school boards and colleges, industry and unions, government organizations and employers to host an event that would “talk about the myths and bridge the gaps in information that exist around the skilled trades,” Ms Stevens explained.

That free event is the Nov. 22 Building & Construction Trades Showcase, an informative day geared to young adults exploring their career options and their parents, plus newcomers to Canada and people who are changing careers and considering a trade.  

There, they will have the opportunity to speak with professionals representing many of the two dozen or so trades associated with the construction industry.

Two guest speakers will share their experiences with attendees. Three-time Olympic medalist in kayaking, Adam van Koeverden, will speak about goal-setting and overcoming setbacks to achieve those goals, topics that will resonate with people launching new careers or building a life in a new community, said Ms Stevens.

Mag Ruffman, a contractor, writer, producer and actor who hosted the fix-it shows ‘A Repair to Remember’ and ‘Anything I Can Do,’ will bring her quirky humour to tales of her work in construction.

The showcase is sponsored by YSSTAB, Seneca College and Employment Ontario. It takes place Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Vellore Village Community Centre in Vaughan. Mag Ruffman will speak at 10:30 a.m. and Adam van Koeverden at 12:30 p.m.

There is no admission charge and no need to register. For info, call 905-967-0605 or visit ysstab.on.ca. Watch for a special section on this trades showcase in your Saturday Economist & Sun.

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