Brains and Builders: Congress 2025 Spotlights the Powerful Fusion of Humanities and Skilled Trades
At the 94th Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences, academic leaders from George Brown College hosted a panel at the event that challenged outdated stereotypes and made a compelling call to action for the future of work.
TORONTO, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - What if the most resilient and fulfilling careers of the future weren't found solely in coding bootcamps but in combining training in the humanities and social sciences with practical skills in plumbing and electrical work?
That provocative question was at the heart of The Bridge Between Humanities and the Skilled Trades, a May 30 panel hosted by George Brown College (GBC) during the 94th annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
GBC has made history as the first college to host a Congress event in its 90+ year history. This year's event showcases the school's state-of-the-art facilities, research, and expertise through displays, events, and panels. The May 30 panel, The Bridge Between Humanities and the Skilled Trades, heard from George Brown College's Vice President of Facilities and Sustainability, Michelle McCollum, School of Marketing Professor Dr. Jon Callegher, and Dr. Adel Essayed, Dean for the college's Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, who facilitated the discussion.
All three spoke of the need to find ways to overcome long-held misconceptions that the work of electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and others in the construction trades is underpaid, undervalued, and unsafe.
'The trades are not what you think.'
That was the clear message from Dr. Jon Callegher, a professor in the School of Marketing, who debunked persistent myths about life in skilled trades.
He noted that skilled tradespeople earn significantly higher wages and do so earlier in their careers. They can also find significant fulfillment in the often artisanal work they accomplish and enjoy a greater work-life balance than their university-educated white-collar counterparts.
Most significantly, these jobs can offer job security compared to many white-collar paths that have become more precarious with the advent and growth of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
From the Workshop to Net-Zero Innovation
Michelle McCollum, George Brown's Vice President of Facilities and Sustainability – who is also a former tradeswoman herself – pointed to Limberlost Place, the college's groundbreaking new 10-storey timber-frame, net-zero emissions facility, as proof of what skilled trades can accomplish.
She noted that the building is years ahead of its time in reaching sustainability goals, which could not have been achieved without the highly skilled work of tradespeople to assemble, finish, and maintain the building. Limberlost Place also includes some of the largest mass-timber columns and cross-laminated slab bands in North America. Finally, its construction required changes to national and provincial building codes as previous mass-timber buildings have only been built to 6-storeys within Canada.
The Power of a Dual Path
Both McCollum and Callegher emphasized the emerging value of combining technical training with the critical thinking and cultural literacy offered by the humanities and social sciences.
A tradesperson with a liberal arts lens, they argued, is more adaptable, more insightful, and often better equipped for leadership.
Callegher went further, making a financial argument for pursuing education in reverse: starting with a skilled trade, building savings, and then pursuing a university education. This model flips the traditional script and could help alleviate the burden of student debt.
Doing so, he said, can make a difference not only financially but also in the overall quality of life.
A Looming Shortage, a Critical Moment
With a looming wave of retirements among Canada's skilled trades workforce, panelists urged educators, policymakers, and budding learners to reframe the narrative around skilled trades.
The trades aren't a fallback; they're a foundation, they argued. When you combine them with the humanities, you don't just build careers; you build a stronger society.
George Brown College continues to lead this effort through its Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, offering multiple entry points for learners who want to be part of Canada's next skilled and thoughtful workforce.
For journalists: Congress 2025 at George Brown offers a unique angle on post-secondary education, workforce readiness, and the future of learning that challenges conventional divides between rigorous academic training and applied. Learn more at https://www.georgebrown.ca/congress
Images from the event are available upon request.
About George Brown College
Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Trump is expected to sign a measure blocking California's nation-leading vehicle emissions rules
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is expected to sign a measure Thursday that blocks California's first-in-the-nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a White House official told The Associated Press. The resolution Trump plans to sign, which Congress approved last month, aims to quash the country's most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars. He also plans to approve measures to overturn state policies curbing tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks. The timing of the signing was confirmed Wednesday by a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to share plans not yet public. The development comes as the Republican president is mired in a clash with California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, over Trump's move to deploy troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. It's the latest in an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and heavily Democratic California over everything from tariffs to the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and funding for electric vehicle chargers. According to the official, Trump is expected to sign resolutions that block California's rule phasing out gas-powered cars and ending the sale of new ones by 2035. He will also kill rules that phase out the sale of medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and cut tailpipe emissions from trucks. The president is scheduled to sign the measures and make remarks during an event at the White House on Thursday morning. Newsom, who is considered a likely 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, and California officials contend that what the federal government is doing is illegal and said the state plans to sue. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin are expected to attend, along with members of Congress and representatives from the energy, trucking and gas station industries. California, which has some of the nation's worst air pollution, has been able to seek waivers for decades from the EPA allowing it to adopt stricter emissions standards than the federal government. In his first term, Trump revoked California's ability to enforce its standards, but President Joe Biden reinstated it in 2022. Trump has not yet sought to revoke it again. Republicans have long criticized those waivers and earlier this year opted to use the Congressional Review Act, a law aimed at improving congressional oversight of actions by federal agencies, to try to block the rules. That's despite a finding from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, that California's standards cannot legally be blocked using the Congressional Review Act. The Senate parliamentarian agreed with that finding. California, which makes up roughly 11% of the U.S. car market, has significant power to sway trends in the auto industry. About a dozen states signed on to adopt California's rule phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. The National Automobile Dealers Association supported the federal government's move to block California's ban on gas-powered cars, saying Congress should decide on such a national issue, not the state. The American Trucking Associations said the rules were not feasible and celebrated Congress' move to block them. Chris Spear, the CEO of the American Trucking Associations, said in a statement Wednesday: 'This is not the United States of California.' ___ Austin reported from Sacramento, Calif.
Canada Standard
15 hours ago
- Canada Standard
Feature: Farming through uncertainty -- an American family's struggle amid tariff tensions
by Yang Shilong, Li Xirui, Liu Yanan ANKENY, IOWA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Corn and soybean sprouts stood about two inches tall as the Griffieons' farm dog, a black Labrador mix named Case, darted across the fields like a black shark slicing through a green sea. At the Griffieon Family Farm, an over 100-year-old ranch near Ankeny, planting began in mid-April with an even split of corn and soybeans. Each day, Case patrolled the fields, sprinting between rows of young plants before settling down for a nap near the house. LaVon Griffieon, a veteran farmer and the owner of the farm, said this year's planting and harvest had to factor in tariffs and soaring input costs. After the United States and China agreed in May to a 90-day pause, Griffieon said she felt a little relief. But with harvest in October falling outside the "tariff relief window," the prospect remains unclear. "It got way out of hand," she said of the Trump administration's tariff policies. "He called it on, off, on, off. And then we dragged in Mexico and Canada -- our supposed allies. Nobody can do business in that climate." With roughly 1,100 acres of row crops and a direct-to-consumer meat business, the Griffieons represent a vanishing breed of diversified, family-run operations. Even with that flexibility, she said the past few years have left her and many others on edge. "We're right at break-even because we've been in a downturn for three years, as far as markets go," she said. Farmers, she explained, are facing rising input costs -- fertilizer, fuel, equipment and seed -- while lacking assurance that markets will support their harvest. "If we don't have China as a customer, I doubt our soybean prices are going to rise," she said. "And once you lose those import fields, someone else takes them." Under tariff uncertainties, the Griffieons found farming is no longer enough to support the family. "Equipment is expensive, fertilizer is expensive, seed is expensive," Griffieon's daughter Julia Balbiani said. "And once tariffs hit, they drive the price of everything up. Cost is always a major concern." She noted how tariffs have already disrupted equipment supply chains. "There are parts -- wiring, tires, chassis -- guaranteed to come from China. When tariffs hit, manufacturers raise prices, and dealerships pass those costs on to us." Griffieon said tariffs should be more thoroughly debated in Congress and hoped the upcoming midterms might prompt a policy shift. "Somebody's going to have to feel a pinch before he (Trump)'ll change his mind," she said.
The Market Online
16 hours ago
- The Market Online
ALMONTY INDUSTRIES - The hot phase begins now — The planned Nasdaq listing is igniting the rocket boosters
Tariff gestures and delivery restrictions on critical metals have become the daily bread of long-suffering investors. The Western industrial world is facing enormous challenges, as the pace is increasing daily in segments such as high-tech and defense. NATO-related orders alone have increased fivefold in recent weeks compared to 2024 – and there is no end in sight. Today's industry managers need to have a clear understanding of where they can source manpower, raw materials, and especially critical metals – and which non-sanctioned markets they can then supply. The pressure is mounting as availability declines and verbal threats escalate on both sides of the Atlantic. Almonty Industries (TSX:AII) (WKN: A1JSSD | ISIN: CA0203981034 | Ticker symbol: ALI) has positioned itself uniquely, demonstrating remarkable foresight. The tungsten producer already operates mines in Spain and Portugal, and a major deposit in South Korea will be added within a few months. In addition, the Company is planning a US expansion and a Nasdaq listing to signal that the time for a revaluation has come. The research firm GBC has responded to the current scenarios and adjusted its price target upward. Here is a summary of the current facts. When it comes to tungsten, Almonty looks like a changing of the guard for China The Western world is facing a raw materials crisis with geopolitical implications. Around 70% of the most important critical metals are found in China. China has now drastically tightened its export controls on critical minerals, with strategically important metals such as gallium, germanium, antimony, and, most recently, tungsten being particularly affected. These raw materials are indispensable for the defense industry, semiconductor production, and high-tech manufacturing. China dominates the entire supply chain for many of these raw materials, from mining to processing and refining. For some metals, like gallium and graphite, China's share of the global market is over 80–90%. Countries such as the US, Germany, Japan, and South Korea are particularly affected, as they need these metals for semiconductors, batteries, chips, lasers, fibre optics, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Relying on hope is a risky strategy – the final implementation of China's export policies may depend on upcoming talks between Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing. There is still hope that the interests of the West will not be sidelined entirely and that there will not yet be any rationing. Almonty Industries (WKN: A1JSSD | ISIN: CA0203981034 | Ticker symbol: ALI) is already positioned to fill the emerging gap in 2025. Almonty is in a position to cover 80% of US tungsten demand – a conflict-free and reliable supply chain. Source: Almonty Industries The US Congress applauds It was a good day for CEO Lewis Black. On June 9, Almonty Industries received an official letter from the chairman and ranking member of the US House of Representatives Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. The letter highlights Almonty's strategic importance to the United States, which seeks to secure its supply chains for critical minerals in the face of growing geopolitical tensions. The committee particularly recognized the importance of Almonty's Sangdong mine in South Korea, which is expected to become the largest tungsten producer outside of China. It is equally pleased about the planned relocation of the Company's headquarters to the US, which will make Almonty the only US company producing tungsten concentrates on a commercial scale. The Committee also expressed interest in further cooperation with Almonty, with a focus on potential collaboration to support the US defense industry, including supply chain integration with US defense companies and potential additions to national defense stockpiles. The regional distribution of the various mining properties facilitates access to Western industrial locations. In South Korea, Almonty will become a strategic player for local industry. Source: Almonty Industries CEO and President Lewis Black commented: ' This recognition by leading members of the US Congress confirms that Almonty's Sangdong project is far more than a commercial venture – it is a strategic infrastructure asset that is critical to the security and resilience of the supply chains of the US and its allies. As we prepare to relocate our corporate headquarters to the United States, we aim to be more than just a supplier. We are positioning Almonty as a trusted partner for the reshoring and relocation of critical mineral capacity at a time when geopolitical constraints require greater transparency, reliability, and control by allies. We are fully aligned with US national security priorities and remain focused on delivering long-term value to our shareholders .' Ramp-up at Sangdong sets tungsten capital machine in motion Almonty is nearing completion of its processing facilities at the Sangdong Mine, with initial production planned for 2025. With no commercial tungsten production in the United States since 2015, the upcoming market entry is expected to significantly strengthen the resilience of the US supply chain for a mineral that is critical to ammunition, aerospace, and other high-performance defense applications. With the Sangdong mine in South Korea soon to begin production, the Company is in a unique position: once operational, it will be one of the largest sources of tungsten outside China and will be able to cover up to 40% of non-Chinese global production. The mine has a life span of over 90 years, and the rock has an exceptionally high tungsten content. doubling production from 2,300 to 4,600 tons 'Almonty will start with an initial production of 2,300 tons and aim for an output of 4,600 tons after 12 months.' This is good news, and not just for the US. It dispels any doubts about the effectiveness and mood within NATO, as sourcing European companies via a US-based raw materials company is feasible even with strict customs agreements. In addition, Almonty already has a purchase agreement with the Austrian Plansee Group and, with its strong shareholder Deutsche Rohstoff AG, has enough EU clout to secure supplies from South Korea. One example illustrates the pressure on trade: According to Martin Hotwagner of Steel & Metals Market Research in Austria, every vehicle contains an average of around 300 grams of tungsten – most of which is lost during recycling. The result: declining stocks, rising prices, and increasing pressure to act in the US, Europe, and Japan. As stocks dwindle, he expects Western companies to run out of tungsten over the summer. Governments are alarmed and are urgently seeking alternatives – and have now come across Almonty Industries. New price target from GBC Research On June 10, 2025, GBC published an update to its analysis. Analysts Matthias Greiffenberger and Cosmin Filker now estimate revenues for the coming year 2026 at CAD 153.8 million instead of CAD 123.5 million. By 2027, this figure is expected to grow to CAD 314.9 million, up from the previous CAD 252.9 million. This means the current market capitalization of just under CAD 930 million corresponds to only 3.3 times the revenues projected for 2027. Comparable raw material suppliers are valued significantly higher (see MP Materials in the following chapter). The analysts conclude with a new 12-month price target of CAD 5.50, representing a potential upside of 66%. The enterprise value/sales ratio (EV/Sales) of 3.45 in 2027 also appears remarkably low. Corresponding earnings forecasts bring the P/E ratio down to below 5. All of this is still within the tangible horizon of 48 months, making value generation over a short time frame particularly transparent. Click here for the original study from April and the latest update. Sphene Capital analyst Peter Thilo Hasler already updated his calculations in April and sees considerable potential: He raised his price target for Almonty from CAD 3.21 to CAD 5.20. The Munich-based expert expects significant revenues of over CAD 192 million and EBIT of CAD 69.4 million as soon as operations start in 2026. The bottom line is that net income of CAD 46.8 million or CAD 0.19 per share should be achievable. Based on today's price of CAD 3.25, the share would currently be valued at a 2026 P/E ratio of 17. Given the high market momentum, this ratio could even exceed 30. The metrics speak for themselves. Mining using giant machines. A drilling rig is moved toward the mineralization. Source: Almonty Industries Valuation multiples are growing in line with expectations Tungsten, molybdenum, and rare earths are among the most critical materials. The example of MP Materials Corp in the US shows how the global shortage can affect company valuations. With the Mountain Pass project in California, the Company owns the largest rare earth property in the Western world. Revenue is estimated at around USD 265 million for last year, up from USD 73 million in 2019. Analysts on the LSEG platform believe that revenues could rise to around USD 796 million by 2028. MP Materials is valued at just under USD 4.6 billion, around seven times the current value of Almonty Industries. Of course, the companies' revenues will develop differently, as the availability of metals is determined by the global market. However, Almonty Industries' starting position shows a significantly lower valuation compared to its US competitor. Its listing on the NASDAQ offers a perfect set-up for upcoming peer group comparisons. Almonty can score big here! Conclusion: A significant revaluation is imminent Western security of supply is colliding with the powerhouse that is China. Anyone still wasting time reminiscing about the good old days is barking up the wrong tree! International interests require geographical diversification and security. The EU knows all too well what happens to prices when 60% of energy supplies are cut off overnight due to sanctions. For Almonty, this means a new strategic positioning and a clear claim to a revaluation. This is already impressively reflected in the 12-month chart. The US listing appears to be a done deal, opening the door to a whole new universe of investors and a shift in perspective. The 12-month view shows how impressively the share price has risen. A year ago, the price was still well below CAD 1. Source: LSEG, as of June 10, 2025 The price development offers a rare opportunity. What seems to have gone unnoticed for years must now happen in a relatively short period of time. China's restrictions on metal exports, the US initiative to secure critical metals, and the consistent delivery of the predicted steps make CEO Lewis Black a rock star on the trading floor. With large trading volumes of more than 3 million shares in Canada and Germany, the price is constantly rising. Yesterday's high of CAD 3.43 confirms our analysis of the last few months. There are currently no reasons to believe that there will be any significant consolidation. Therefore, those who have not invested will have to accept the increased valuation if they want to participate in the story. The commodity remains in short supply! The necessary steps have now been completed. The current outlook should inspire investors. Source: Almonty Industries This update is based on our initial report report 12/2021. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') currently hold or hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies and speculate on their price developments. In this respect, they intend to sell or acquire shares or other financial instruments of the companies (hereinafter each referred to as a 'Transaction'). Transactions may thereby influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In this respect, there is a concrete conflict of interest in the reporting on the companies. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual this reason, there is also a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such. The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user. The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use. Source: Almonty Industries Keyfacts ISIN: CA0203981034 WKN / Symbol / Frankfurt A1JSSD / AII / ALI Last price 3,25 CAD / 2.08 EUR Number of shares 285.924 million Market capitalization 929 million CAD Industry sector Mining / Strategic metals Geographic focus Asia, Europe, US Year of foundation 2011 Website CEO Lewis Black Author André Will-Laudien Born in Munich, he first studied economics and graduated in business administration at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in 1995. As he was involved with the stock market at a very early stage, he now has more than 30 years of experience in the capital about the author Further analyses This is third-party provided content issued on behalf of Almonty Industries Inc., please see full disclaimer here.
