Students get hands-on learning from skilled trade workers
The first-ever trades career fair for students is on now at the EY Centre. For two days, students from grades 7 through 12 will be learning everything they can about the skilled trades.
The fair aims to help address a chronic shortage of skilled trades workers in Canada.
Grade 10 student Aaron Muhikwa wants to be a mechanic and he’s getting some hands-on education.
“I'm thankful that there are events like this where we can really get a look at options that aren't nursing and being a lawyer. Or you have to do this, or you have to go to university,” says Muhikwa. “You could come here and get paid earlier and not have to worry about student debts. And really be able to help the kids who don't like to sit in the classroom and take notes all day and really like to work with their hands.”
Industry professionals from all of the major trades are here to help remove the stigma that comes with these types of jobs.
“We're trying to get rid of all these myths that exist out there, where careers in skilled trades are no good,” says Dan Cardinal, Skills Ontario Senior Provincial Engagement Coordinator. “These are good careers. And it's okay if your post secondary pathway leads you to college or an apprenticeship, and not just university. University is good too, but a lot of these students are meant to do this type of career and we're here to let them know it's perfectly fine. And it's a great career to do.”
The students here today know that jobs like this will be in high demand when they graduate high school.
“I love working outside and with my hands,” says Grade 10 student Luke Grant. “All the people who don't know how to do this, they're going to rely on these people later on in their lives.”
And many students are learning that choosing a skilled traded over post secondary school means getting paid earlier.
“You go straight after high school into these opportunities,” says Grade 10 student Izabella Salioski. “And you get paid well. You have a great experience. And you learn new stuff.”
The career fair has already made stops in Mississauga, London and Sudbury and will head to Thunder Bay next week to wrap up.
“You're getting paid to learn your job, which is the cat's meow. And all parents should be lining their kids up for these types of opportunities,” says Dan Lortie, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator. “Not everybody can go to college and be successful. But if you're a hard worker and you like to work with your hands, you can get involved in an apprenticeship and be extremely successful.”
Muhikwa might know what he wants to do, but says events like this are important to help guide students towards skilled trades when it is needed most.
“It's a good way to introduce them to, oh my goodness, it's something I like to do,” says Muhikwa. “And it’s a good way to spark some kids’ interest that they didn’t know they had previously.”
Approximately 2,500 students are expected to attend the two-day event.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.