Latest news with #skilledtrades
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Skills Canada National Competition takes place in Regina, enticing next generation of workers
The National Skills Trade Convention took place at the Real District in Regina on Thursday. (Damian Smith / CTV News) It was a big day for the skilled trades job sector on Thursday, as the National Skills Trade Convention took place at the Real District. Five hundred Canadians representing the 10 provinces and three territories made their way to compete in more than 40 skilled trades areas to be named best in the country. 'People probably know these common ones as occupations, such as a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician,' Skills Canada CEO Shaun Thorson said. 'But we also have a lot from the transportation sector, automotive service, car painting, and aircraft maintenance.' About 30 years old, this is the first time that the event has been hosted in Regina. Skills Canada is looking to market some of the best tradespeople from around the country, hoping to entice the future generations. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, about 700,000 of the four million Canadians who work in the trades are set to retire by the end of the decade. 'As you know, we have our journey, people in our trades, people phasing out and retiring,' said Alora Heinrich, the Youth Program Manager at Saskatchewan Apprenticeship. 'They're understanding that there's a big space open for a lot of them to enter into the trades.' 'So, we see a lot of youth becoming more interested and more encouraged and finding their passion in terms of that type of career,' she added. Some say there is still work to be done to encourage more youth to start their career in the skilled trades. 'There are still some challenges in trying to get to try and get people and engage young people in skilled trades,' Thorson said. 'Still, many of them are not aware of the opportunities that are available.' 'Ultimately we're trying to encourage all sorts of demographics that they're welcome and encouraged to join the trades because we are really, really pointing out that it's [a] necessary component in our day-to-day world and in our society,' Heinrich said. The second day will continue Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the closing ceremonies taking place on Saturday morning.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
4 Forces Fueling Gen Z's Shift To Blue‑Collar Jobs
Gen Z college grads are choosing blue-collar jobs that offer job security. A dramatic shift is reshaping both higher education and skilled trades. According to new research from 37% of Gen Z college graduates are now working in or actively pursuing blue-collar jobs—representing the most significant talent influx into trades in decades. For the first time in generations, college-educated Gen Z workers are voluntarily choosing skilled-trade jobs over traditional white-collar careers, driven by a combination job market realities and evolving definitions of career success. Let's explore the four forces driving this shift, how employers can respond and what steps job seekers can take to capitalize on this workforce trend. Skilled trade jobs are experiencing unprecedented demand across multiple sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for electricians, plumbers and wind turbine technicians through 2033. Deloitte research indicates that U.S. manufacturing alone could need 3.8 million additional workers by 2033, with 1.9 million positions potentially unfilled. This surge in demand explains why, according to the Resume Builder survey, 30% of Gen Z college graduates considering blue-collar jobs cite better long-term prospects as their primary motivation, while 19% made the switch because they were unable to find work in their field of study. While most college graduates face months-long job searches and unpaid internships, skilled trades offer immediate employment and job security. Median wages for skilled-trade jobs now rival entry-level salaries for white-collar positions while avoiding the crushing burden of student debt. This economic reality is reflected in the Resume Builder survey, where 16% of college graduates who switched to trades said they weren't earning enough with their credentials. The average federal student loan debt exceeds $38,000, resulting in payments that consume a significant portion of entry-level salaries for years. Meanwhile, apprenticeship programs offer paid training from day one. Experienced electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians routinely earn between $60,000-$80,000 annually, with top performers commanding six-figure incomes. Having grown up with technology, Gen Z workers understand the potential of automation to disrupt knowledge work. This explains why the survey indicates that 25% of college graduates entering trades specifically chose blue-collar work because they believe these jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI. The physical, problem-solving nature of skilled trades makes them inherently resistant to automation. While AI can assist with design and planning, it can't wire a house, fix a broken pipe or troubleshoot complex mechanical systems in unpredictable environments. Many Gen Z workers are drawn to the tangible nature of skilled trades. This generation values purpose and impact, and trades offer immediate, visible results. The collaborative nature of construction and manufacturing also appeals to workers from team-oriented educational environments. Unlike isolated office jobs, skilled trades require constant coordination and mentorship, creating social connections many remote workers feel are missing. Companies must update their recruitment messaging to appeal to college-educated workers who have multiple career options. For example, today's electricians work with smart building systems and renewable energy technologies, while manufacturers utilize advanced robotics and AI-assisted quality control, which requires continuous learning. Effective recruitment should showcase these technological aspects while emphasizing the problem-solving and innovation that skilled trades demand. Case studies of college graduates who've built successful careers in trades can be effective in countering misconceptions about blue-collar jobs. Forward-thinking employers are implementing several approaches: One of the biggest barriers is the pressure from family and society to pursue white-collar careers. Actively counter the "college-only" mindset by providing data on wages, career progression and job security to parents, guidance counselors and career advisors. Industry associations should develop materials for career counselors, including salary data, growth projections and success stories. Many are unaware that skilled trades can lead to entrepreneurship opportunities and specialized consulting positions that rival traditional professional careers. 1. Research Program Outcomes: Investigate the track records of apprenticeship programs in terms of job placement rates, wage progression timelines and graduate satisfaction. Quality programs should provide transparent data on employment outcomes and career advancement opportunities. 2. Target High-Growth, Tech-Forward Trades: Focus on the fastest-growing categories, such as electricians, wind turbine technicians and HVAC specialists. Prioritize trades that incorporate advanced technology, solar installation, smart building systems and renewable energy for better long-term prospects. 3. Evaluate Entrepreneurship Pathways: Consider trades offering clear routes to business ownership. Many skilled trades offer a natural progression from apprentice to independent contractor to business owner, with lower startup costs compared to most traditional businesses. 4. Leverage Your College Background: Seek programs designed for college graduates or highlight transferable skills such as analytical thinking, communication and project management. Some employers offer accelerated tracks for educated workers. 5. Use Proven Resources: Start with the Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder and the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Many states also offer scholarship programs and financial assistance specifically for trade education. Gen Z's pivot toward blue-collar jobs isn't a retreat from ambition. It's a rational response to economic reality and evolving definitions of success. This generation has witnessed traditional career path limitations and is choosing alternatives that offer better financial returns, job security and personal satisfaction. For companies facing chronic skill gaps, this represents the best talent news in years. However, capitalizing on it requires updating recruitment strategies, compensation and workplace cultures to appeal to educated workers with options. Companies successfully attracting college-educated trade workers will gain significant competitive advantages in an increasingly constrained labor market.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
ONTARIO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADESWOMEN HEAD TO QUEEN'S PARK TO PUSH FOR SAFER, MORE INCLUSIVE JOB SITES
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - On Monday, May 26, the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT), will host its first-ever Advocacy Day at Queen's Park. Tradeswomen from across the province will gather to meet with Members of Provincial Parliament, including Minister of Labour David Piccini, to advocate for progress in the skilled trades for tradeswomen. OBCT's top priorities include: Legislate mandatory Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (ADAH) training as part of all apprenticeships in Ontario Ensure mandatory access to properly fitting PPE for all workers, especially women and non-standard-sized tradespeople Inspect and enforce new access and clean washroom regulations to ensure OSHA compliance and hot water access "We've made real strides in improving safety and inclusion on job sites," said Karen Pullen, Chairperson of the OBCT, "But there's more work to do. Culture change doesn't happen overnight—and by making ADAH training a standard part of apprenticeship, we're setting the tone from day one." ADAH training, created by OBCT and delivered free across Ontario, addresses the root causes of workplace harassment and discrimination. But while it's proven effective, it remains optional. Without a legislative requirement, too many job sites still leave tradespeople—particularly women and marginalized workers—vulnerable to unsafe and unwelcoming conditions. "This is about building a stronger, skilled trades workforce—for everyone," Pullen said. "When workers feel safe, respected, and seen, they stay. And that's what Ontario needs." Quick Facts Harassment on job sites in construction is still an issue today: 64% of women in construction report discrimination; nearly half report sexual harassment. ADAH works: The OBCT-developed ADAH training, delivered free across Ontario, educates workers, employers, and union reps on recognizing, preventing, and addressing discrimination. Current law isn't enough: Ontario's OHSA mandates policies—not training. Other provinces (BC, Alberta, Quebec) already require it. 90% of tradeswomen report being hampered at work by PPE that doesn't fit. Ill-fitting gloves, harnesses, and overalls increase injury risk. Only 6% of women surveyed said their PPE is designed for them. Standard-issue PPE is often made for the average male body—leaving women and others unprotected. About OBCT Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT) is a network committed to advancing, supporting, and advocating for women in the skilled trades. OBCT connects tradeswomen across Ontario, provides leadership opportunities, and works to build an inclusive, respectful industry where all workers thrive. The OBCT is a program of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario which represents over 150,000 construction workers throughout the province. SOURCE Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, The View original content:
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
CNM breaks ground on transportation technology center
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – Local students pursuing a future in skilled trades will soon have an easier pathway into a career. Thursday morning, Central New Mexico Community College and Rio Rancho Public Schools broke ground on a new state-of-the-art transportation technology center on the RioTech campus. Gilman Tunnels in Santa Fe National Forest re-open to the public Once the center is complete, CNM will move its automotive and electric vehicle technology programs to the campus. This comes after the first RioTech campus building opened last month, offering programs in welding, plumbing, carpentry, and more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
21-05-2025
- General
- CBC
'Jill of All Trades' introduces female high school students to the skilled trades
St. Clair College's second annual Jill of All Trades event introduced 100 female high school students to the working world of skilled trades. CBC"s Dalson Chen spoke with students Abigail Collins and Cassidy Young, as well as Lido Zuccato, who chairs the college's School of Skilled Trades.
